Newsletter 14.25 - Friday 12 September 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Parents, Carers and Members of the St Mary’s Community,

As Term 3 comes to a close, I want to acknowledge our Year 12 students, who are preparing to take their final steps as St Mary’s students. It has been a privilege to walk alongside them this year and to see how they have lived out our values of love, service, and leadership in so many ways.

Just this week, I shared breakfast with Year 12, where conversations ranged from excitement about university offers to uncertainty about what lies ahead. Both are part of the journey, and I reminded them that whether their path is already mapped or still unfolding, they carry with them the resilience, faith, and friendships that will serve them well. My encouragement to each of them is simple: finish strong, and finish with pride.

In our final week of the term, we will gather for their Graduation Mass and Ceremony. These moments of prayer, reflection, and celebration are an opportunity to give thanks for the gifts and achievements of our Year 12 students, as well as the support of families, teachers, and especially Mr Daniel Beckett and the roll-call teachers. Together, you have helped shape this group into the compassionate and capable young people we are so proud of.

Our recent Leadership Handover Ceremony was another reminder of the spirit of service that defines our College. We farewelled an exceptional group of student leaders and welcomed those who now take up the responsibility of guiding our community. Their commitment gives me great hope for the future.

We congratulate the following students who have been appointed into Student Leadership roles commencing next term:

Student Leadership Team 2025-2026

The formal handover from our current student leaders to our incoming leaders took place last Wednesday, 3 September. The occasion included a special liturgy celebrated by Fr Tony Potts and attended by distinguished guests and parents, including our much-loved Josephite Sisters, Sister Jan and Sister Brigid.

Our thanks extend to all those who attended, your presence made the occasion that much more special. 

Many congratulations to our Student Leaders for 2025–2026. 

The Student Leadership Team ror 2025-2026 are:

College Leaders

House Leaders

Student Leaders

Staffing Update

I am pleased to share some staffing news with you. We extend every blessing to Anne-Maree Artis as she begins her maternity leave and thank her for her wonderful contribution to the College. We also warmly welcome Lainey Fibbens, who will be joining the PDHPE team from Term 4. Lainey brings with her a wealth of experience across Catholic schools in our Diocese, including St Paul’s Booragul, with expertise in PDHPE, English, literacy and numeracy support, behaviour management, and inclusive learning for students with additional needs.

We are equally delighted to welcome Stacey Nesbitt to our community. Stacey joins us in a permanent part-time role as Administration Officer and will be working at Reception each Friday from next week. She brings extensive experience in administration, accounts management, customer service, and community engagement through her work across local government, business, and industry. Stacey’s warmth and skills will be a wonderful addition to our front office team, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on our College.

As we farewell Year 12 and welcome new leaders, I am reminded that our College is a community of continuity and growth. Let us keep our graduates in our prayers as they begin the next chapter of their lives, that they may step forward with confidence, guided always by Christ’s love.

Kind regards,

Brett Donohoe - Principal

Key Dates

Two weeks at a glance

Assistant Principal - Learning & Teaching

Year 11 Changes to Pattern of Study, Reports and Interviews

In Week 7 of this term an assembly for Year 11 students was held in relation to examinations and changing patterns of study for HSC.  As students are completing their final tasks/exams in their Year 11 Courses they are encouraged to discuss their progress with their teachers and to assess where changes to their pattern of study may be beneficial to them as they move into Year 12. I have spoken to students recently about the importance of not rushing their decision to “drop” a subject or change levels too early, encouraging students to think about maintaining all courses for the first term of Year 12 Course work (Term 4 2025). Students and their parents/carers will have the opportunity to meet with teachers in Week 3 Term 4 and this may be a good time to seek advice regarding any changes to courses. There is no urgency to make a rushed decision.

Students may also choose to pick up an additional unit of study at this point – Mathematics Extension 2, English Extension 2 or Extension Science. To commence studying in one of these subjects, an interview must take place between the students and myself, and approval is required from both the subject teacher and relevant Leader of Learning. Please encourage your child to have this conversation as soon as possible if they are thinking of taking on an additional unit in these areas. Classes in these new subjects will commence next term, running offline – at a time arranged between students and teacher.

Year 11 Reports, Awards and Interviews

Year 11 Student, Parent and Teacher Interviews have been scheduled for Wednesday 29 October Week 3 Term 4. This time has been put aside for students and parents to follow up on Year 11 Course Reports as well as plan with teachers their future directions and goals for Year 12 studies. This time provides an opportunity for teachers to “feed forward” – establishing expectations for students as they move into their final HSC year. Details regarding the interviews will be conveyed next term, at the time of End of Course Reports being published via Compass. All students are encouraged to attend the interviews – allowing them to set realistic and aspirational goals for the next twelve months.

Year 11 End of Course Awards will be held on the same day as the Interviews, commencing at 2pm at the HopeUC Church, next door to the college. Further details to follow.

Year 8 (Year 9 2023) Additional Courses of Study Subject Selections

Year 9 2026 Subject Lines have now been determined and conversations with Year 8 students, for those who have not been able to secure one or more of their main preferences, are currently taking place, with time and attention being paid to the students’ needs during this process. As students and parents were made aware at the start of the process, we are able to cater for most students’ requests but there are some courses that have not been sustained due to small numbers. Where this has occurred, students have an opportunity to meet and discuss other options. It is anticipated that confirmation of subjects allocated to students will be sent home, if not by the end of term, then before the end of Week 1 Term 4. I thank you for your patience at this time as we work towards a good outcome for all involved.

Year 12 studentsonline Accounts

Year 12 students have been asked this week to log in to their studentsonline account and check personal details. I ask that parents and carers support students in ensuring that details are updated so that access to HSC results and academic transcripts will be available to students once their school email accounts have been closed. The process is:

Year 12 Study for HSC Examinations

As Year 12 students continue to prepare for HSC there will be some study workshops here at the college during the Term 3 Holidays. Separate communication will be sent to students and parents via Compass in Week 10 and I encourage all students to be involved in this opportunity.

I also draw your attention to the Diocesan HSC Study Workshops being held in the upcoming holidays. Registration is via the link on the flyer (contained in this newsletter) if you would like to attend. There will be only 150 places for each workshop offered across the diocese. Year 12, please ensure that you are committed to attendance once you have registered.  

Finally, I offer the link below to advice from past HSC students about preparation from the HSC. Hopefully, it provides some inspiration!

Cathy O'Gorman - Assistant Principal Learning & Teaching

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing & Engagement

RU OK? Day - postponed from last Wednesday to this Wednesday 17 September

Decorate your Space

For the Diocese Decorate Your Space: National Child Protection Week 2025, our school has created a Tree of Connection to reflect our commitment to children’s safety and wellbeing under the theme “Every Conversation Matters.”

As part of wellbeing and PDHPE lessons, all student were invited to contribute reflections on what safety and wellbeing mean to them, affirmations, belief statements, and/or messages of encouragement for their peers, each represented as a colourful “leaf” on the tree. The tree also connects with RUOK Day, reinforcing the idea that conversation can lead to action. Just as every leaf helps form a strong tree, every conversation helps build a safe and supportive community.

This collection embodies our school mantra:

“Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be a Learner”

It reminds us that wellbeing and safety are responsibilities we all share, and that kindness and connection help us grow together.

R U OK?Day

The rise of mental health concerns among young people, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm, is a pressing issue amplified by factors such as academic stress, social media, family dynamics and societal expectations. It is therefore crucial to prioritise early intervention, de-stigmatise mental health discussions, and provide accessible and effective support to address these concerns and promote the wellbeing of young people. This year R U OK?Day falls on Thursday 11 September, an annual National Day of Action and a reminder that every day is the day to check in with your friends, family and colleagues. St Mary's will honor R U OK? Day on Wednesday 17 September. R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention year round by urging people to invest time in personal relationships and empowering informal support networks to identify signs of distress. Families are encouraged to engage in this initiative, emphasising the importance of authentic human connections and reminding everyone to ask the essential question, "Are you OK?"

Parents, caregivers and schools all play a vital role in shaping young lives. Participating in R U OK?Day goes beyond classrooms, showcasing a commitment to holistic student development. By initiating conversations about mental health, schools create safe spaces, where children feel valued, understood, and supported. Parents can help by fostering an open dialogue, normalising emotions, identifying support systems, teaching active listening and addressing any stigmas relating to mental health. Many schools nationwide organise events for the R U OK? message, offering students opportunities to engage. Parents and caregivers can help by supporting their school in this endeavour or choose to organise your own event for your workplace or community group.

Participating in R U OK?Day nurtures compassion and demonstrates our dedication to the wellbeing of the whole school community, reaffirming that together, we can make a difference! For more information on R U OK?Day, access to FREE resources or want to host your own event, here are some links you may find useful. Website Resources to support young people Resources for schools Resources for everyday Find help or reach out for support Host an event Merchandise

Ministry

A Reflection for our College Community

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

On Monday the 8th of September, we celebrated one of the oldest Marian feasts within our Holy Church the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Tradition placed Mary’s birth in Jerusalem, to her parents Joachim and Anne. This is only one of three birthdays celebrated in the Church including Jesus and John the Baptist.

Mary is honoured not only as theotokos (God Bearer), the Mother of God, but as the first and most faithful disciple. She entrusted herself to the will of God through her ‘Yes’, humbly served throughout her life, and stood firm even in the darkest moments of Jesus’ mortal life.

As we honour Mary’s day of birth, we are invited to imitate her love and humility as a source of comfort and hope.

The Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary, a time to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, and reflect on her role in the Church and in our lives. This feast, established to remind us of Mary's powerful intercession and her role as a guide for Christians, calls us to a deeper devotion and trust in her loving care.

In our Catholic tradition, Mary's name symbolises purity, grace and protection. She is a model of servant leadership and humility - virtues that are central to our journey as a community rooted in Catholic education. By honouring her, we are reminded of the qualities she embodied, which we strive to reflect in our own lives: love, compassion, and a deep commitment to God’s will.

Here at St Mary’s Catholic College, founded on the charism of the Josephite Sisters and dedicated to love and service, we look to Mary as a role model. Just as she nurtured and supported her son Jesus, we are called to support and nurture one another - whether that is through kindness, understanding, or acts of service. Our community thrives when we follow her example of patience, humility and strength in adversity.

As we celebrate this special feast, let us remember that invoking Mary’s name is a call to trust in her guidance and protection, especially during times of difficulty or uncertainty. Her intercession reminds us that we are never alone, and we can always seek her help in prayer.

Let us carry the spirit of this feast throughout our school year, striving to grow in faith, hope, and love, just as Mary did. Together, we can create a community that reflects her grace and dedication to God. We are ‘Ready to Serve’.

Kyle Clarence - Acting Ministry Coordinator

Learning Technology

Student BYOD Devices important message: Windows 10 is reaching end of life

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:

• Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 from 15 October 2025.
• Upgrading to Windows 11 helps reduce security risks.
• Student Work Protection: Staying current helps safeguard assignments, projects, and personal data.

Ways to install Windows 11 - Microsoft Support

Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ - Microsoft Supporthttps://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/ways-to-install-windows-11-e0edbbfb-cfc5-4011-868b-2ce77ac7c70e

Read our FAQs for more 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.

What if my device can’t upgrade?

If a Student’s BYOD laptop is running Windows 10 and can’t be upgraded to Windows 11 (usually due to older hardware), Microsoft is offering a free security update program to help keep the device safe for one more year.

The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is designed to keep your current Windows 10 PC protected after support ends, helping you stay secure during the transition.

How to Join Microsoft’s ESU Program

Microsoft has made it easy to enrol directly from the laptop:

• On eligible computers, a setup wizard will appear in Settings > Windows Update.
• There are three ways to enrol:

1. Free – Sync your settings to the cloud using Windows Backup. You must be logged in as administrator and with a Microsoft account.
2. Free – Use 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.
3. Paid – Buy a one-year license for $30 USD (families cover this cost).

Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 | Microsoft Learn

Religious Education

Diocesan Literacy Testing

Our students have excelled in the Year 8 Diocesan Literacy this year. Students attaining outstanding results and High Achievement Awards in Religious Literacy are:

• Jasmin Diu 44/50 Second in the diocese
• Lillian Yager 43/50 Third in the diocese, Olivia Garvey, Miliana Dragosavljevic and
• Jack Ayshford

All Year 8 students must be congratulated on these results.

The teachers of Year 8 in 2025 are Elizabeth Savovski, Kyle Clarence and Jacqui Moriarty. 

Year 10 are sitting the Diocesan Literacy Examination on 17^th September. Teachers of Year 10 in 2025 are Kyle Clarence, Wayne Caruana, Lousie Henderson.

Our Year 12 students in Studies of Religion have been successful in completing their Trial Examinations and are now consolidating their learning preparing for their HSC.  We wish them every success in their efforts.

Elizabeth Quinlan and Elizabeth Savovski - RE Leaders of Learning

Minimbah - Connecting to Country

Aboriginal support worker Levi Briggs and classroom teacher Elisa Milajew attended a challenging and uplifting few days of learning about the local Awabakal people and their Dreaming. Despite the rain hindering our access to all sites in the area, the knowledge received, and the truth-telling made for excellent understanding, which can be shared with our students at St Mary's. We are lucky enough to have connections with Danielle Peachie from our adjacent primary school who is a strong leader and is also willing to share her learnings with us at St Mary's. 

Environmental Sustainability

Year 9 Environmental Sustainability Class visit Glenrock

Our recent visit to Glenrock guided by NPWS educational officer, Jenny Robinson, gave this class of students a chance to experience what David Attenborough so aptly expresses. Perfect weather to explore the biodiversity, discuss the management issues, watch the bush turkey build it's mound and spend time rock jumping and swinging in the trees.

Year 11 Marine Studies

Students were challenged to photograph and identify a number of living organisms as part of their recent excursion to the rock platform adjoining Merewether Ocean Baths. While the weather was fantastic, a large swell prevented the students from venturing too close to the water’s edge to fully investigate the rich biodiversity of life. The trip will greatly enhance their recent class studies and is integral to the completion of their upcoming assessment task.

Shane Abell - Marine Studies Teacher

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.

Penrith Netball

Our recent trip to Penrith was a memorable and rewarding experience for all involved. We stayed at the Edmond Rice Retreat Centre, a peaceful property surrounded by paddocks and old buildings that represented years past.

The hospitality was fantastic and the accommodation was perfect — each team had their own cottages with lounge and kitchenette facilities. The morning  began at 6:00am, players gathered to prepare their wraps and fuel up for the day ahead, with breakfast served at 6:15am before heading off to Jamison Park.

Our netballers were truly outstanding. I cannot thank the players enough for their flexibility, enthusiasm, and team spirit, which showed through the entire trip. Despite some initial nerves about balancing our teams — especially with players moving up from younger age groups — everyone stepped up and supported each other wherever needed.

A special mention must go to our student umpires, who were outstanding in both professionalism and performance. For such young individuals, their confidence, fairness, and calm presence on the court were truly impressive. They played a vital role in the smooth running of the day and represented our school with pride.

• With many senior players unavailable due to injuries and work commitments, our Year 10 and Year 8 studentscourageously stepped into the positions. Resilience was displayed at all times and with  their skill earned us a well-deserved 3rd place — a remarkable achievement given the circumstances.

• A mixed team of Year 10 and mostly Year 9 players played brilliantly throughout the day,  once again their determination in a number of games got the result we wanted -losing only one game and securing 2nd place.

• The youngest squad brought unmatched enthusiasm and a never-give-up attitude. They quickly adapted their defensive tactics and refined their plays, showing maturity beyond their years. Their efforts as a team gave them a well deserved championship WIN — a proud moment for all!

This trip was a testament to our Pathways program the resilience, adaptability, and knowledge of the game and ability to step up to another position and age category  was amazing of our students. Congratulations to all players for representing our school motto – Ready to Serve

Every player contributed something special, and their efforts will be remembered as a highlight of our sporting calendar.

Congratulations to all involved — you represented our school with heart, courage and pride!

Umpires : Lucy Bell , Sienna Burns & Ella Hungerford

Players : Ivy Biddletson, Summer Biddletson, Emily Browning, Summer Bruce, Hallie Cousins, Dakota Crake, Charli Cummings,Elsie Davison, Alice Dunkley, Cate Garland, Makenzi Hastie, Harper Kent, Blaze Langbein, Ruby Lloyd, Isabelle McIntyre, Issy Monks, Sienna Parker, Ini Ponman, Rosie Potts, Kalani Reynolds, Olivia Rodger, Mia Russell, Olive Stephens, Ruby Turvey, Neve Tynan, Avalon Wilcher, Lara Windever.

Col Whitney Cup

What a journey for the St Mary’s Under 16’s Boys Soccer Team. From the early group stages of the Col Whitney Cup 2025, it was clear to see there was a gulf in class between our boys and most of the other teams in the Lake Macquarie region. The first round saw the boys come away with an unfathomable goal difference of over 25… and that was just 2 games! Even our Maths Teacher/“Football” Coach, Mr Williams, found it hard to keep count of the goals flying in, however was very happy to name our most prolific goal scorers Cooper Ross and Cooper Williams by their new title - Cooper ².

Despite our dominance in round 1, the boys clearly recognised, if they wanted to win the competition, the team to beat was Warners Bay. We faced them in the second round of the group games, and it was a cagey affair. Both teams respected one another, eager to not make a mistake that could be the difference. Over the whole game it is fair to say Warners Bay were able to get a hold of the ball for longer periods, and although close, deservedly won the game 1-0. Importantly, the game showed us we were more than capable of holding our own, and if a few chances had gone our way, we could have certainly won the game. Despite the loss we qualified 2nd in the group and progressed to the semi-finals. 

With the finals in sight, Mr Matzen and Mr Williams put the boys through their paces on Friday afternoons and with some excellent performances in the group stages, 11 players had earned their place in the starting line-up and our bench showed they could come on to inject the energy we may need.

The Semi-Final saw us face Swansea, a team that had won their group and were highly motivated to progress to the final. The boys were tested by some questionable, physical tactics from the opposition, but they showed their class by concentrating on playing quality football, keeping possession and came away with a comfortable 4-0 win, progressing to the final… and who awaited? Warners Bay of course! Who had won their semi-final 3-1.

Leaders of the team in, Will H, Sam VdW, Jacob L and our Captain, Max L, did a great job of motivating the rest of the boys to give them the belief that they could win the game. Everyone knew that they had a job to do, both needing to keep the ball and play the great football they were capable of, but importantly work hard to win their individual battles against their opposite number. Every player was sensational. Our Goalkeeper James D set the tone with his outstanding distribution and communication to the team. Our defence played with controlled aggression and had the confidence to build play from the back. In the middle of the first half, our right back, Hayden W, who had shown his ability to strike a ball in training and warmups was presented with an opportunity at the edge of the box. As many of us had seen him do before, he swept the ball with power and precision into the top left-hand corner, giving the keeper no chance! We were up, 1-0!

As the game progressed into the second half, the midfield, that did not get a foothold in the first game against Warners Bay, each won their individual battles against some talented individuals. Year 8, Harry S playing beyond his years with heart, determination and moments of brilliance to keep the ball in tight situations. Our front three held their shape throughout the game, pressing from the front and offering clever runs that gave our Captain,  Max L the chance to play his beloved through balls. Importantly, the team's mindset of continuing to threaten the opposition with another goal, meant attack was for sure our best form of defence. As the game started to draw closer to the final whistle, Warners Bay were throwing everything at us, and with 5 minutes to go, an excellent bit of build-up play and strike on goal saw a moment of brilliance from goalkeeper James D who pulled off a save that was one for the highlight reel. The save gave us a boost of energy, one that was needed for our tired team that had not had any rotational subs compared to the opposition that had the luxury of rotating their team. A quick play out from the back with the Warners Bay all pressed high trying to win the game, saw our top goal scorer Cooper Williams with half of the pitch to run in a one on one with their keeper. A situation players know is harder than it looks, especially at the end of an intense game. However, Cooper showered his composure and slotted the ball into the back of the net, securing the boys the win, the trophy and the pride of beating a talented Warners Bay team.

Following the final whistle, the boys showed their class again, being gracious in victory, respecting the other team during the awards ceremony and being model ambassadors for the school.

During the ceremony, along with some humble words from Captain Max Lonergan, the privilege of man of the Match was decided by 4 ex-Jets players. It was rightfully awarded to our rock between the sticks, goalkeeper, James Doolan, with his saves and distribution being identified as the “difference between the two teams”. 

What an excellent few weeks for the boys and a journey to becoming Col Whitney Cup Champions 2025 that they will never forget… until next year of course… where we will be looking to make it three in a row! 

Well done, lads.

Nathan Williams - Coach

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Library Matters

2025 NSW Premier's Reading Challenge

The 2025 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is drawing to a close. We have had an increase in students completing the challenge this year, which of course, is wonderful to see. This week I emailed all students whose Reading Records I have validated and I encourage all students who have taken the challenge to ensure that they have received this acknowledgement. If they have not received my email, then it means that I am not aware of them completing the challenge and need to either email or drop by the library to clarify this with me. This is often the case for our Year 7 students who continue to use their Primary School account to register their books, however a new “Secondary School Account” needs to be set up for them, linking them with St Mary’s for the first time. Once that is done, we can then merge the Primary and Secondary PRC accounts together to ensure their past reading is linked and logged. If any parents would like to talk to me about this set up, please do not hesitate to email me at rosalind.dunn@mn.catholic.edu.au  The 2025 NSW PRC closes at the end of this term.

Mrs Rosalind Dunn and Mrs Melissa Watt - Teacher Librarian and Library Assistant

Aboriginal Education

Kaayi (ky-ee) – Hello,

Junior AECG

Recently Hayley C, Alex C, Ava H, Brodie D and Chloe M attended our ‘Powalakai Malang’ Community of Schools Junior AECG Meeting at St Patrick’s Swansea. Students reported on NAIDOC celebrations, danced, created some art and tied some yummy indigenous cooking. Next meeting is at St Pius X Primary School, Windale in term 4.

Karawang Dance Group

Students will be preparing for the Year 12 Assembly in week 7. Roo will practice with the dancers at lunch this Thursday.

Cultural Workshop

Aboriginal students from across Year 7-10 were invited to a cultural workshop this week. Students gathered to review NAIDOC and other success stories as well as vot for next year’s Junior AECG committee. Results early next term!

Year 7 Food Technology

This week Levi, Mr McKay and Roo joined with Mrs Field in her Yr 7 Food Technology class. Students learnt about Aboriginal farming practices and bread making. They also ventured into the Bush Tucker Garden to pick some tucker, before exploring the nutritional value of emu eggs!

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

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

Uniform Information for Year 7 2026 and Year 10 2026

Uniform Fittings for Year 7 2026 and Year 10 2026

Please find below updated pricelist, Appointment Booking information Flyer with dates and Booking Instructions. The uniform shop will be open during the September/October Holidays by appointment only.

We encourage families with children starting in Year 7 in 2026 to book an appointment in September/October to alleviate long queues in January and to allow time for top ups of stock before back to school in 2026, if necessary. 

Current Year 9 students are required to have a blazer from the commencement of Year 10 2026. Boys are also required to have long pants - these uniform items are worn at formal ceremonies, ie. first day of school, liturgies, special events, as advised by their Leader of Wellbeing.

Year 9 parents/students can make an appointment for a fitting during the holidays or call into the uniform shop during Term 4 and be fitted for these during Uniform Shop opening times without an appointment.

Revised Opening hours due to HSC Examinations

Revised hours for the HSC Examination period (Thurs 16.10.25 to Monday 10.10.25) will be communicated to families via Compass and the next newsletter.

The Uniform Shop can be contacted directly during working hours on 0435 954 372.
Tuesday 8.30am to 10.30am
Wednesday 8.30am to 10.30am
Thursday 12.45pm to 3.30pm

stmaryshigh@alinta.com.au

Aspire

Community Notice

Request from HopeUC Church -  Wednesday 24 September

Support and Care

Parenting Strategies to promote health

Physical inactivity, unhealthy eating, risky alcohol use, smoking, sedentary recreational screen time and poor sleep are the b'Big 6' risk factors assocaited with chronic disease. While thse behaviours are high among Australian teens, parents can play a vital role in guiding their teen toward healthier behaviours.

There is a free upcoming webinar on Wednesday 24 September from 12-1pm. Presented by Dr Lily Davison and Dr Katrina Champion from the Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, this webinar will provide:

• An understanding of the 'Big 6' lifestyle risk factors
• Strategies for supporting young peole to improve the 'Big 6'
• An introduction to the Health4Life Parents and Teens program

This webinar is for parents seeking information about chronic health risk factors among young people. Please click on the link below to register:

Celebrate with St Francis Xavier's Belmont

Year 12 2025 Graduation