Assessment and Report Writing Day

A reminder that next Friday, June 20, is a student free day to allow teaching staff to complete assessments and write reports. Thank you for your continued support.

Annual Action Plan

We are sharing each of the priorities of our Annual Action Plan in Lumina and in this edition, it is our second of four:

SIP Priority 2 – High Expectations

Goal: The Restorative Practices and Behaviour Formation Framework is widely practised to make SMC a place in which all members of the community feel safe and support.

Targets:

1. Students understand that their behaviour impacts both positively and negatively on others and choose to act accordingly.

2. Develop and implement proactive behaviour management education for students, staff, and parents.

Goal: Students actively contribute to a culture of high expectation and the development of positive relationships.

Target:

1. Students exhibit enthusiasm for learning by participation in the classroom and co-curricular activities.

College Production

It’s not too late to get tickets to this year’s College Production, Mamma Mia, Thursday 26 June to Saturday 28 June in Logue Hall. Once again, a huge amount of work has gone into preparing our performers by Mr Brendan Tollit, Director, and Ms Katie Thomas, Musical Director, support by Producer and Year 12 student, Thomas Lauder. Please come along and enjoy a great night’s entertainment.

Year 12 Formal

One of the highlights of the calendar for our Year 12 students is the Formal which will be held next Thursday evening. As they count down towards the rapidly approaching end of secondary schooling, these milestones become very significant. We hope our senior students have a great evening.

EREA VSL News

Our CEO, Mr Andy Kuppe, has announced this week that he will be stepping down from this role in coming weeks. Mr Kuppe has been a huge supporter of St Mary’s College and we offer thanks to Andy for the leadership that he has offered as the first CEO of our new proprietor. A caretaker will be appointed while the substantive replacement is recruited.

College Chaplain

Archbishop Comensoli has advised me this week that he has reappointed Father Jerome Santamaria as our College Chaplain for the foreseeable future. This is excellent news as Father Jerome is a wonderful supporter of St Mary’s College. It also means that our community will continue to hear inspirational homilies when we gather for Mass. At a time when many Catholic school communities are struggling to find a Chaplain, we are indeed blessed to have Father Jerome.

Darren Atkinson
College Principal

From the Deputy Principal

As our exams commence this week, I have been encouraging our students to draw strength from St Thomas Aquinas, who among other references, is often thought of as an influential scholar in his own right, and in terms of his influence on others. Before each exam, we have prayer, and often use his very famous and often quoted prayer for students:

Come, Holy Spirit, Divine Creator, the true source of light and fountain of wisdom.

Pour forth your brilliance upon my intellect, dissipate the darkness which covers me, that of sin and of ignorance.

Grant me a penetrating mind to understand, a retentive memory, method and ease in learning, the lucidity to comprehend, and abundant grace in expressing myself.

Guide the beginning of my work, direct its progress, and bring it to successful completion.

This I ask through Jesus Christ, true God and true man, living and reigning with You and the Father, forever and ever. Amen.

I would like to thank and congratulate Liam Harrison (Prefect) and Matilda Phyland (College Captain) for the exemplary way they participated in the EREA Deputy Principal conference held in Melbourne this week. It was a source of great pride for me throughout the day that followed, as many conference attendees praised Liam and matilda for their outstanding contribution and reflections on life at St Mary’s.

Please find below a summary Child Safe Standard 4, which came into effect on July 1 2022, and a summary of our action plan for this standard.

Child Safe Standard 4: Family Engagement

Families and communities are key to promoting child safety and wellbeing. As part of this standard, schools are required to provide families and communities with information about their child safety policies and practices, and to involve families and communities in decisions about child safety. Providing accessible and inclusive child safe information promotes a greater understanding and encourages families to engage in child safety and wellbeing discussions, further empowering children to disclose concerns.

At St Mary’s College, we are working towards the implementation of Standard 3, by:

• Parent surveys.

• Child Safety discussions at Parents and Friends meetings.

• Child Safety information available to parents on PAM.

• Newsletter

• Email, including the opportunity for parents to provide feedback via the College dedicated Child Safety email address: childsafety@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au

• Social media.

• Public website.

• Parent/Teacher interviews.

• Parent meetings.

• Easy English versions of child safety information available for families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Shaun Lancashire
Deputy Principal

Year 12 Retreat – A Journey of Reflection

The Year 12 Retreat was held on Friday, 6 June at Cape Schanck.

In the lead-up, students had been prepared through year-level assemblies and classroom sessions to approach the retreat as a pilgrimage — a physical journey mirroring an inner, spiritual one.

The day began with a chartered coach departing from the College, taking us to the coastal setting of Cape Schanck. From there, students took the walking track to the beach, where they were encouraged to spend time either in solitude or in small groups.

Some chose to shelter near the tree line, others climbed the sand dunes, sat quietly on the rocks, or explored the rock pools. We were fortunate to experience a day of strong winds and dramatic cloud formations — nature at its most raw and powerful. The challenge presented by the elements was tangible.

Early in the day, the sun was faint behind cloud cover. As the sky darkened from the west and a light rain began to fall, we made our way back up the track. Again, some students chose silence and solitude, while others walked together.

Just as the Gospels recount Jesus retreating into the wilderness, we, too, stepped away from the familiar, into nature. The contrast between the shelter of the track and the exposed, windswept beach invited a deeper sense of reflection and peace as we walked through the changing landscape.

The return bus trip to the College was notably quiet — with the exception of one staff member who was enthusiastically spotting roadside stalls selling pumpkins and potatoes!

For all who attended, the retreat was a meaningful and memorable experience. Sincere thanks to the five staff members who accompanied our Year 12 students and made the day possible.

Paul Quinn
Director of Identity, People and Culture

MID-YEAR FAMILY CAREER CONVERSATIONS – Helping Students Maximise Their Future

Often, the things we do to enhance our career prospects don’t immediately seem like choosing a career or setting goals. Whether it’s following an interest, developing a strength, landing a part-time job, attending an inspiring event, or simply chatting with family and friends — any of these can spark an idea or ignite a passion.

It can be hard to convince young people that everything they do — from playing sport and helping backstage at the school play to completing family chores, travelling to new places, or researching a topic of interest — can all be important steps on their career journey.

In an age where many young people are deeply engaged online, families who encourage a broad range of real-world experiences are doing their children a huge favour. Encouraging students to persist with a sport, a musical instrument, or any other commitment fosters resilience, teamwork, and self-awareness. Giving back to the family or wider community develops vital interpersonal skills. Working through issues and problems through discussion builds critical thinking. Taking responsibility for everyday tasks — checking emails, organising gear, arriving on time, managing home study — adds another layer to their development.

All of these activities help to build transferable skills — sometimes called employability or generic skills. (I avoid the term soft skills, as it diminishes their value.) Skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, analytical thinking, interpersonal understanding, and reliability are highly sought after by employers. While these traits don’t replace qualifications, they are essential for gaining employment and progressing in any career. This is where parents play a crucial role.

Students should also maintain a record of their experiences, with dates and key details, to create a personal portfolio. This will prove invaluable when applying for jobs, scholarships, early entry programs, or requesting references.

Families can add value to these experiences through ongoing conversation — whether over meals, during bushwalks, road trips, or in the car (a captive audience!). These everyday moments are opportunities to reflect, share, and plan.

Encouraging students to attend events such as webinars, university open days, holiday programs, and workshops — and even joining them — can open their eyes to new possibilities and help broaden their thinking about the future.

If you browsed the latest edition of Directions — emailed to students and parents in Years 9–12 — you’ll have seen just how many opportunities lie ahead: the Melbourne Careers Expo, Melbourne Open House in July, university open days, holiday workshops, and more.

And of course, let’s not forget the exciting opportunity for our Year 10 students — their upcoming Work Experience Placement. Whether they love it or not, it’s sure to generate some valuable discussion at home!

Mandy Ellwood
Careers Counsellor

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice!

On Wednesday, as part of our outcome for VCE Drama, the Year 11 and 12 VCE Drama students took a trip to the iconic Regent Theatre to see Beetlejuice in all its chaotic, ghostly glory. It was strange and unusual in the best way! From jaw-dropping special effects to show-stopping performances, every second of this production was electric.

Following the matinee performance, there was a Q&A session with some of the cast and crew members, including Eddie Perfect – not only the composer and lyricist of Beetlejuice, but actor of the eponymous character. It was interesting to hear about the creative process behind such a large-scale production, and even more so to see it come to life.

A huge shoutout to Mr. Tollit, for organising this incredible excursion, Ms. Vandrine who accompanied us and to every student who represented the College with pride. (And a shoutout to the giant snake too – that was pretty cool!)

Thomas Lauder, Y12
Drama Captain

ST MARY’S COLLEGE APPLICATIONS FOR ALL YEAR LEVELS ARE OPEN!

Just a reminder that if you have a student in Primary school, applications are open, and you are welcome to put in an online application at any time.

Year 7 2026 applications will be processed immediately and offers sent shortly after. 

Year 7 2027 and beyond, applications will be processed and offers sent 14 months prior to your child starting Year 7.

For students wanting to start in the Years 8 -12, once the application is received, an interview will be held with our Principal, Darren Atkinson, and an offer sent for immediate start.

Please feel free to share this information with your friends and neighbours.

APPLY TODAY

If you have any questions, please contact me at jwarr@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au

Jo Warr
College Registrar

Get Ready for a Sparkling Night of Song and Dance: 'Mamma Mia!' is Coming Soon to St. Mary’s College!

We are excited to present this year’s school musical: Mamma Mia! — a heartwarming and high-energy production filled with laughter, friendship, and the timeless music of ABBA.

Set on a sunny Greek island, Mamma Mia! tells the story of Sophie, a young bride-to-be who dreams of having her father walk her down the aisle. The only catch? She doesn’t know who he is. After secretly inviting three men from her mother’s past to the wedding, the stage is set for a weekend full of surprises – all set to the unforgettable ABBA hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and, of course, “Mamma Mia.”

This year’s production showcases the incredible talent of our students both on stage and behind the scenes. With colourful costumes, lively choreography, and a live student orchestra, this is a show you won’t want to miss!

Show Dates:

Wednesday 25^th June at 7:30pm – SOLD OUT

Thursday 26^th June at 7:30pm

Friday 27^st June at 7:30pm

Saturday 28^nd June at 1:30pm and 7:30pm

Tickets:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1409967

Join us for a night of music, comedy, and celebration as our students bring this beloved story to life. Whether you’re a lifelong ABBA fan or discovering the magic of Mamma Mia! for the first time, you're in for a treat!

See you on the stage!!

Brendan Tollit
Director

Yarra River Excursion

The year 12 Vocational Major Students last week were taken by Mrs Fitzpatrick into the city to learn about the changing ways the Yarra River has been used by people. This included social and environmental impacts on the river, indigenous use of the waterways and developments over time. One of our students, Noah Kirkwood reflected on the experience in the following statement:

On Thursday, the 5th of June, my year 12 peers and I started at school and then went into the city for our fortnightly enrichment day to hop onto a ferry and take a tour of the city on the Yarra River. The cruise was two hours long; we first took the ferry to Docklands, right next to the shipping container yard. They told us about Melbourne's rich history, which included that Port Melbourne used to be called Sandridge due to the prominent sand dunes that characterized the area along the beach.

After we finished up with the first hour of the cruise, the next hour would take us in the Hawthorne direction. In my opinion, the last hour of the cruise was the most relaxing part of the cruise. We went past Herring Island, which was formed in 1928 by cutting the channel through a basalt quarry as it was part of the flood mitigation project. After that, we made our way back in the city direction and finally got off at Flinders Street, where we started. I've got to say I really enjoyed the day, as it was nice and relaxing, and I took a lot out of the day, whether it was learning about history or just being with my friends. It was great to link the work we did at school through worksheets on the day and understand how the cruise itself is run from a workplace point of view as well.

Grant Godbold
Vocational Major Coordinator

Worry Wisely

IT’S OK to WORRY during exams – but make sure you WORRY WISELY

We all like certainty. Indeed, our brains like predictability because when we have uncertainty it can lead us to worry. Uncertainty can come at any time and in many ways. For our senior students, the present exam period can lead to feelings of uncertainty and worry.

We must keep in mind though, that worry is an important feeling to manage. Worry makes us proactive; it can bring us to action. However, too much worry can lead to anxiety, which is why we need to WORRY WISELY. Be proactive in dealing with worries so they do not overtake you.

Deal with worry about exams by allowing time to take a break to deal with your thoughts, then move forward with what is ahead.

See the steps and not the staircase. Each exam is step towards a final goal.

The following activities are a collection of suggestions from our students who have a set specific amount time e.g. 20 minutes to incorporate activities such as these in their study regime :

• Watching TV,
• Talk to my dog
• Pat my cat
• Talk to someone face to face
• Draw, write or read.
• Meditate
• Go outside
• Write a journal
• Play music,
• Listen to music,
• Create music
• Art/craft/paint

Give yourself a set amount of time to have a break, then use some positive self-talk:

• “I may not like it, but I can do it.”
• “I am calm and focused.”
• “I can handle this situation.”
• “I ‘ve got this, I can do it. I can Worry WISELY and It’s OK.”

Remember, self-talk is a skill that can be learned, and by practice everyone can be good at it.

Trish Maguire
College Counsellor

Top Designs and National Communication Museum Excursion

On Wednesday 4th June, Unit 3/4 Media, Visual Communication and Design, Media and Music students visited Top Designs at Melbourne Museum. This exhibit is part of the VCAA’s annual Season of Excellence program, which showcases high-scoring Unit 3/4 works from the previous school year.

Following this, students visited the newly opened National Communication Museum in Hawthorn. They were given a Guided Tour of the museum’s current main exhibit, Signal to Noise, as well as their permanent exhibits; Quantum Futures and Collection Galleries, which include AI-based interactive activities. This was a valuable opportunity to learn about how communications and media technologies have evolved in Australia and to consider what the future holds.

All in all, the day was a fantastic demonstration of the application of concepts and skills learnt in the classroom. A big thank-you to Raoul Chapman and Katie Thomas for accompanying and supervising.

Amber Hemmes
Media Teacher

Support the Future of St Mary’s College – Building Fund Appeal

As St Mary’s College continues to grow and evolve, so too must the spaces where our students learn, connect, and thrive. Our Building Fund Campaign is a vital initiative that supports the ongoing improvement and development of our learning environment.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, recent projects such as the refurbishment of the McCartney Wing have already had a significant impact, providing students with modern classrooms, state-of-the-art facilities, and vibrant communal areas. With your continued support, we can ensure that future developments match the high standard of education we offer.

We invite families to contribute to the St Mary’s College Building Fund. 

All donations over $2 are tax-deductible and go directly toward enhancing the educational spaces for current and future students.

Your support, no matter the size, helps us shape a school environment where every student feels inspired to learn and grow.

To make a contribution, please visit:
👉 www.trybooking.com/au/donate/smcbuildingfund

Together, we can build a stronger future for St Mary’s College.

For further information contact David Formosa at dformosa@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au