Accreditation as a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition

I am pleased to advise that we recently received correspondence from Dr Michael Slattery, Chair of the EREA Council, advising that our accreditation is to be renewed until July 2030. Dr Slattery writes:

I acknowledge and celebrate the significant work that has been undertaken in the last five years to ensure that the Charter for Catholic Schools in the Edmund Rice Tradition, and particularly the Touchstones are being lived and experienced by the St Mary’s College community. Congratulations on this outcome and thank you for your faithful leadership and partnership as we strive to provide young people with an education that is authentically Catholic and a contemporary reflection of the charism and wisdom of Blessed Edmund Rice.

This follows the thorough School Renewal process that we undertook during Term 1 and is accompanied by a School Renewal Report that includes commendations and recommendations from the renewal panel. In the coming weeks we will dissect the report and include the recommendations in our strategic plan. We will share the findings in future editions of Lumina.

Thank you to all who participated in the School Renewal process earlier this year.

P&F Trivia Night Thanks

Thank you to members of the St Mary’s P&F for hosting our Trivia Night on Saturday. It was a very enjoyable night and, with some excellent donations up for auction, was profitable for our hardworking members. Thank you to all those who donated a product for the auction. Please look for opportunities to support our P&F as they are investing back in our College to improve the facilities for your young people.

Senior Subject Information Evening

In an outstanding testament to your commitment, Logue Hall was full on Tuesday evening as we gathered to learn more about the VCE, subjects on offer, and the subject selection process. In my brief address, I emphasised the opportunity that this moment offers for parents and carers to talk with their Year 10s about their own career journey. Our young people are worried that they will make a mistake. As adults, of course, we know that the pathway is rarely linear and that our lives take many strange and exciting turns as we learn more about ourselves and our talents. Thank you to all who helped make this a very worthwhile event. Should you have any questions, please contact Daniel Di Lisio, Director of Learning and Teaching.

Grade 4 visitors

Students from Our Lady of the Assumption School, Cheltenham, visited recently as we recommence our very popular “getting ready for secondary school” program. The students experienced Biology in our Science precinct and then made their own lunch in our Food Technology kitchen. Over coming weeks, we will be introducing other Grade 4s from our region to secondary schooling at St Mary’s. We hope that they enjoy the experience so much that they choose us as the destination secondary school. Last week we met Principals and Deputy Principals from three of our neighbouring Catholic Primary Schools. Each was taken on a tour and then listened to our leadership team discuss the vision for our school. My thanks to these busy people for giving their time. They certainly emboldened us in their feedback that our purpose is not only clear, but important, and our product is high quality. As parents and carers, I once again call upon you to promote St Mary’s to your relatives and friends as your recommendation is invaluable.

School Advisory Council

Our August Meeting was held on Monday night and we formally welcomed two new SAC members, Ms Jane Leroi and Dr Alexandra Wake. Jane has a long association as a parent and chairperson of the P&F. Alex is also a past parent and works as a professor in the Journalism department at RMIT. Amongst our regular agenda items, members of the SAC were keen to report on how much they had enjoyed Mamma Mia and commented on the high quality of the performances. As we are about to commence a new period of negotiations there was also some general discussion about industrial relations matters, especially as they relate to school budgeting. At the time of writing, the Victorian Catholic Education Authority (VCEA) and the Independent Education Unit (IEU) have not commenced enterprise bargaining.

I was able to share with the Advisory Council a recent presentation made to the new EREA Victorian Schools Ltd. (VSL) Board, in which St Mary’s unique characteristics were highlighted and celebrated. This is an excerpt:

We recognise that students today are navigating a different kind of complexity - including social pressure, mental health challenges, neurodiversity, and questions of gender identity. We want them to feel valued. Our response is grounded in relationships, care, and consistency. We meet students where they are and walk alongside them with empathy, respect, and a deep belief in their dignity.

Our approach to learning is relational and responsive. We create environments that build confidence, agency, and belonging - especially for students who may not have felt successful in more standardised or outcomes-driven school models. Our destinations data reflects this: students leave us for university, apprenticeships, traineeships, and the workforce. We’re not just preparing them for exams - we’re preparing them for life.

Japanese Visitors

The students visiting us from Osaka, Japan, departed last Wednesday and they greatly enjoyed their time in Melbourne at St Mary's. Thank you to our staff who put together the program, organised the safe transit of the students and the homestay arrangements. Thank you, especially, to our families who agreed to host a visiting student. The feedback from each student was that their visit to Melbourne had been wonderful and they were keen to return in the future. We intend to continue to plan for opportunities for school visits, including a reciprocal visit to Osaka for our students.

Ski Trips

Over recent weekends, senior students have been provided opportunities to ski at Mt Buller. The feedback has been that it was an amazing experience. Thank you to Ms Steward, Mr Baxas Ms Thaddeus and Mr Hall for making this experience possible.

End of an Era

The community of Christian Brothers who have resided next door to the College in Westbury St are in the process of moving to more suitable living arrangements. They have donated a marble statue of Blessed Edmund Rice to us that was dedicated to a past Principal of CBC, Brother Miller. We will look for a suitable location in our grounds for this valued statue which will serve as an ongoing reminder of our founding story.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

Dear St Mary’s College Families,

As mentioned in my last newsletter article, we are now well and truly into the process of providing families and students with the information they need to make informed pathway and subject choices. This commenced in earnest with the release of the senior studies booklet last week to current Year 9 (for students wanting to accelerate), Year 10 and Year 11 students. This is an online resource with the capacity for sections to be downloaded as a pdf document and printed. In its entirety, it is a large resource, as it provides subject specific information, details about the structure of the VCE and VCE VM (Vocational Major) programs, as well as information about how to make selections using EDVAL Choice when they become available on Wednesday 13 August. We also held our senior pathways information evening on Tuesday 5 August, where families had the opportunity to meet with learning area leaders and subject teachers to further enhance their understanding of what is on offer at St Mary’s College. Also presented on this evening was the key information about the overall process for students entering the senior years of schooling. The next step will be for all current Year 10 students to have a subject selection / pathways interview with a key member of staff on Tuesday 12 August prior to the selections becoming available the next day.

Congratulations to our Year 12 English teachers for successfully carrying out oral presentations for all students studying Unit 4 English last week. There were multiple reports of outstanding and passionate delivery of complex content, which is the reward for hard work and practice. Well done to all students, as for some, delivering an oral presentation requires a significant step outside of their comfort zone.

Thanks to Mr Dean Bird, the sport support staff and teachers involved in the Junior House Cross Country last week. This is often the first exposure our younger students have to running long distances – let’s hope we have unearthed the next ACC and CGSAV champions!

Please see the below details regarding Child Safety Standard 7.

Child Safe Standard 7: Complaints processes

This standard emphasises the importance of processes for complaints being child-focused, culturally safe, and accessible to children, young people and their families, as well as staff and volunteers. As part of this standard, schools are required to have policies, procedures and practices in place for taking complaints seriously, and for identifying and responding to concerns relating to all forms of child abuse whether or not the law requires reporting.

Empowering students to raise low-level concerns improves the likelihood that they will feel comfortable making a disclosure or reporting abuse.

At St Mary’s College, we work towards the implementation of Standard 7, by:

Encouraging, through regular presentations and reminders, all students to raise concerns with a trusted adult if anything makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe
Facilitating student discussions about how and why to speak up when they have concerns
Receiving complaints thoughtfully, taking care to validate students’ experiences – what may seem small to an adult might not be to a student
College dedicated Child Safety email address: childsafety@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au
Child Safety posters designed by students

Shaun Lancashire
Deputy Principal

Subject Selections: Who Are You Called to Be?

At St Mary’s College, subject selection is more than a matter of preference or planning. It is a moment of reflection. As students from Years 7 to 11 begin to consider their future learning, they are invited to pause and ask a deeper question: Who am I called to be?

For our Year 10 students in particular, the coming weeks are a significant threshold. As they prepare for the senior years, they are not only shaping a timetable but beginning to shape a path. The recent Senior Pathways Evening was a powerful reminder of the shared hope that surrounds these decisions. Families, teachers and students came together to explore options, ask questions and begin the kind of conversations that carry great promise, not only for what students might study, but for who they might become.

As a Catholic school, we hold the belief that each person is created with purpose. Yet this purpose is not fixed or forced. It is something discovered gradually, through experience, reflection and the freedom to explore. God invites us to grow through our questions. As with all aspects of our faith life, we are encouraged to wonder. When students follow their curiosity, when they take joy in a subject or feel drawn to a particular way of thinking, they are engaging in something sacred. Loving learning for its own sake is one way we honour the mystery and beauty of being alive.

Discernment is central to this process. In the spiritual tradition of St Ignatius Loyola, discernment is a practice of noticing what brings energy, peace and freedom, and what leads to restlessness or discomfort. It is both a spiritual exercise and a practical guide. Students are encouraged to pay attention to their reactions and feelings as they consider subjects. Asking questions such as: Which subjects make me feel alive and engaged? Which challenges inspire rather than overwhelm me? What do I return to with interest even when it is difficult? These reflections can guide choices that are aligned with both gifts and passions. Practically, keeping a journal of thoughts, discussing options with mentors, and taking time to reflect quietly can support this process.

Psychology echoes this wisdom. Students who choose subjects that align with their interests and values tend to experience greater motivation, engagement and growth. They are more likely to persist when challenged, and more willing to take creative risks. These decisions may seem small in the moment, but they carry potential far beyond the classroom.

This is the wonder of education. A single conversation, a shift in interest, a subject once chosen out of curiosity can lead to a future that was never expected. The discussions happening now in homes, in mentor groups and in classrooms hold within them the seeds of incredible journeys. We cannot always predict where our young people will go, but we can nurture the conditions that allow them to walk forward with hope, integrity and joy. The impact they may have on others, the good they may do, the lives they may touch all begins with these seemingly simple choices.

Subject selection is not a test to pass. It is a moment to be present. A moment to listen, reflect and take one small but meaningful step into a life of depth and direction.

As St Catherine of Siena reminds us, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”

This is the invitation before every student. To be still. To listen well. To choose freely. And to trust that learning itself is part of the sacred work of becoming.

Daniel Di Lisio
Director of Learning and Teaching

ACC ACCENT ON MUSIC IN HAMER HALL - TICKETS NOW LIVE

Tickets for the highly anticipated ACCent on Music Concert are now on sale—and they’re going fast! With more than half already sold, be sure to secure yours soon to avoid missing out.

With just under six weeks to go, excitement is building among our students as they prepare for this special event. Our next two rehearsals are coming up over the next fortnight—things are coming together beautifully!

https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2025/other/accent-on-music

MUSIC TEACHER IN FOCUS – MR CHARLIE ROOKE

We have incredible music teachers here at St Mary’s College and our resident guitar teacher Mr Charlie Rooke has been with the school for over 12 years. He has inspired many great young musicians and continues to do so as one of the most sought-after guitar teachers and performers in Victoria. Charlie has an amazing biography and world-class achievements including 11 ARIA Awards and MTV Gold Record for debut album ‘This Is The Sharp 1995’. He has also provided his guitar expertise for numerous movie soundtracks. We are very fortunate to have someone of his talent at our school.

Due to availability of instruments and tuition spots, Charlie is now able to offer private tuition in guitar (electric and/or acoustic), electric bass guitar and double bass (classical).

We invite you to contact Ms Katie Thomas (Director of Music) or Mrs Kristina Buckingham (Music Administrator) at musicadmin@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au for more information.

Katie Thomas
Director of Music

In an epic battle of State vs. State, the St Mary’s girls played Emmanuel College WA in an open age AFL Game. We were lucky enough to be joined by four Parade College Girls who were part of their sports program.

The match was a friendly exhibition match however, this did not stop the girls being very competitive. The game was close, and St Mary’s took an early lead in the first half. Late in the game Emmanuel wrestled their way on top and it really came down to the wire. Stand out performances by Agatha Mathieson, Olivia Adam and Jahrielle McAlary were unfortunately not quite enough as we went down by 8 points. The game was played in great spirits and it was fantastic to see the girls enjoying playing as a team and having different year levels mixing together so well, representing the college and the state.

Grant Godbold
Vocational Major Coordinator

Ethan Clarke	Levi Toby
Annica Castle	Thanmaya Kurup
Agatha Apostolova

As part of our Visual Arts program this semester, Year 9 students have been exploring the dramatic and atmospheric world of American Film Noir. Using iconic black-and-white film stills as inspiration, students have been developing their skills in drawing, with a focus on realistic representation, tone as both form and shadow, and expressive mark-making. They have recently completed their detailed drawings in preparation for the final painted works. These drawings are beautifully constructed, showing both delicate and bold line work that captures the glamour, mood, and striking contrasts of light and shadow that define the Film Noir genre.

Works such as these not only highlight the students’ ability to render images realistically, but also brings out the more subjective use of line and tone. It allows for intuition and careful observation to play a integral role in the creative process. Photographs of these student works in progress show strong drawing skills and I’m very much looking forward to seeing how these impressive drawings evolve into their final painted pieces in the coming weeks.

Susan Lopez
Year 9 Art teacher

Ski Camp 2025

Our school ski camp was an unforgettable adventure that brought together fun, growth, and community in the best possible way. From the moment we arrived, the energy and enthusiasm were clear. Everyone was fully committed to making the most of the experience, no matter their skill level or background.

One of the standout aspects of the trip was how inclusive and supportive the lessons were. Whether it was someone’s first time seeing snow or they were already confident on the slopes, the instructors and staff made sure every student felt comfortable, challenged, and involved. The lessons were well-structured and catered to all levels, allowing us to improve at our own pace while still having a great time.

Beyond the skiing and snowboarding, what truly made the trip special was the opportunity to connect with people we hadn’t spent much time with before. Sharing cabins, exploring the mountain together, and spending time in town helped form new friendships and strengthen existing ones. We bonded through the shared highs and lows laughing off the falls, cheering each other on, and enjoying the quiet, beautiful moments in the snow.

The staff played a huge role in making the trip so memorable. They weren’t just supervising, they were part of the experience. They gave up their weekend to be with us, supported us through every step of the journey, and showed genuine care and encouragement. Their presence created a safe, positive, and uplifting environment that helped bring out the best in everyone. So massive shout out to brain hall, george, spencer and ej.

Of course, there were plenty of tumbles and moments of chaos, but that only added to the fun. We all came away from the camp with more than just sore muscles. We gained new skills, discovered new interests, made great friends, and created memories that will last for years.

Ski camp was a truly amazing experience, one that I’d recommend to everyone. Given the chance, I would go again in a heartbeat.

Siobhan McCartin
Student

The Vocational Major Students attended the Immigration Museum as well as visiting sites around the city that are significant to the cultural ethnic makeup of our city. Students learned about the stories of individuals as well as helped to trace what it is that makes us Australian. This links to work completed in class and it was great to take both year levels out on excursion.

Grant Godbold
Vocational Major Coordinator & Year 10 Pastoral Leader

ACC Basketball Report - Round 2 & 3

Senior A
Mazenod 95 d St Mary’s 42

The Senior A team showed significant improvement this week, both defensively and offensively. Matthew Bautista once again led the scoring with 19 points, an impressive effort given he was double-teamed for much of the game. This week also saw a more even scoring spread, with Lochie Dooley and Xavier Beck contributing 8 and 7 points respectively. Angus Long was strong on the boards, providing crucial rebounds.

Points: Bautista 19, Dooley 8, Beck 7, Scharper 4, Gammon 2, Long 2

Rebounds: Long 7, Dooley 4

Senior B:
Mazenod 47 def. St Mary’s 21

The Senior B team brought great energy on defense, led by a dominant rebounding performance from Cohen Bentley, who pulled down 13 boards. However, costly turnovers on offense made it difficult to keep pace with Mazenod. Jude Fitzgerald continued his scoring form, finishing with 12 points.

Points: Fitzgerald 12, Stone 7, Singh 2
Rebounds: Bentley 13, Fitzgerald 6, Dooley 5

Special mentions to Will De La Mere, Anton Kovacevic and Rio Basu who filled in due to unavailability's.

Awesome to see the boys pushing ahead and making good progress!

Senior A
De La Salle 78 d St Mary’s 50

I could not be prouder of the A team today. From the tip-off, their energy on both offense and defense was fantastic.

Matthew Bautista shot a season-high 26 points — everything he touched turned to gold.
Noah Deng made his senior debut and was clinical with his perimeter shooting, finishing with 13 points, including two three-pointers.
Sam Schaper continues to improve — “the beast” pulled down 9 rebounds.
Lochie Dooley was 100% from the free-throw line and never looked like missing.
Meanwhile, Jude Fitzgerald and Xavier Beck worked tirelessly up and down the floor.

It was a pleasure to be involved with these boys today.

Senior B – Forfeit

We kindly ask you to remind your young person of the importance of honouring their commitment when representing the College.

Eddie Cavolo
Teacher/Coach

Round 2 Recap – St Mary’s vs Whitefriars

A’s Team – St Mary’s 55 def. Whitefriars 22
The A's team delivered a commanding performance in Round 2, showcasing excellent teamwork, strong defence, and impressive scoring ability. From the opening whistle, St Mary’s set the tone with intensity and control, maintaining momentum throughout the match to secure a 33-point victory.

Standout Players:

Jarvis Russell dominated both ends of the court, showing leadership and hustle throughout the game.
Harley Roach impressed with his court vision and smart decision-making under pressure.
Matthew Bautista brought great energy to the team, consistently disrupting the opposition with his defence and contributing on the scoreboard.

B’s Team – St Mary’s 36 def. Whitefriars 35
In a nail-biting encounter, the B's team held their nerve to clinch a one-point win in a thrilling finish. The match was closely contested from start to finish, with both sides trading baskets and neither team able to break away. St Mary’s showed great resilience and composure in the final moments to hold off a late surge from Whitefriars.

Standout Players:

Kingston Caguioa was electric on the court, applying relentless pressure and creating scoring opportunities.
Jacob Fish showed great poise and consistency, making some crucial plays at both ends.
Noah Chapple stood tall in defence and made vital contributions in transition.
Anton Kovacevic brought composure and leadership when it mattered most, helping guide the team through the tense closing stages.

Well done to both teams on their hard-fought wins!

🏀 ACC Intermediate Basketball – Round 3 Results
St Mary’s vs St Joseph’s Ferntree Gully

A’s Team – St Mary’s 59 def. St Joseph’s FTG 41
The A’s continued their dominant form this season with another impressive win, this time against a strong St Joseph’s Ferntree Gully side. A fast-paced game from the outset, St Mary’s controlled the tempo and maintained a comfortable lead for much of the match.

Standout Performances:

Noah Deng was outstanding, putting up a game-high 22 points with sharp shooting and strong drives to the basket.
Matthew Bautista followed closely with 19 points, showcasing excellent ball handling and a cool head under pressure.
Leo Bugden produced a massive defensive effort coming up with some huge blocks.

It was a fantastic team effort across the board, with every player contributing defensively and offensively to keep our undefeated streak alive.

B’s Team – St Mary’s 32 lost to St Joseph’s FTG 37
The B’s team faced a tough battle against a fast-starting St Joseph’s outfit. Falling behind early, St Joseph’s built a 14-point lead midway through the second half. But in true St Mary’s spirit, our boys launched a spirited comeback in the final minutes, cutting the margin to just 3 points. Despite their determination and energy, time ran out before they could complete the turnaround.

Standout Performances:

Kingston Caguioa was once again in top form, scoring 19 points and leading the offensive push in the comeback effort.
Noah Chapple provided solid support at both ends of the floor, adding 6 points and key defensive stops.

Plenty of positives to take from this match as the team continues to build cohesion and confidence.

Next Up:
Our Intermediate teams hit the road to take on Parade College next week. Best of luck to both squads as they look to continue their strong form!

Coach - David Formosa

Expressions of Interest: St Mary’s College Learn to Swim Program

We are pleased to announce a new opportunity for our students to participate in a Learn to Swim program weekly in Term 4, delivered by Swimable, a professional swim school that currently operates out of the St Mary’s College Pool.

The program will take place straight after school in the College Pool and is open exclusively to St Mary’s College students. This is not a squad training program but a Learn to Swim course, designed to support students in building their confidence and safety in the water.

Whether your child is just starting out or looking to improve their technique, this is a wonderful opportunity to develop essential swimming skills in a safe and familiar environment.

Please note: There will be a cost to participate.

If you are interested in enrolling your child, please email David Formosa at dformosa@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au to register your expression of interest.

Spots may be limited depending on interest, so please respond promptly.

David Formosa
Director of Development

Expressions of Interest – Triathlon Academy Coming to St Mary’s College!

We’re excited to announce that St Mary’s College is exploring the launch of a Triathlon Academy starting in Term 4!

The program will run before school from 7:15am to 8:15am, making use of our College pool and other facilities to help students build endurance, strength and skills across swimming, cycling (stationary), and running.

Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or simply looking to improve their fitness and try something new, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop discipline, goal-setting, and a healthy routine — all before the school day begins!

At this stage, we are seeking expressions of interest from students and families to gauge numbers and interest levels.

If your child is keen to be involved, or if you’d like to know more, please email:
📧 David Formosa – dformosa@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au

David Formosa
Director of Development

Thank You for a Magical Starry Starry Night

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the St Mary’s College Parents and Friends Committee for hosting a spectacular Starry Starry Night Trivia event on Saturday 2 August.

The evening was a brilliant celebration of community spirit — filled with fun, laughter, friendly competition and fabulous trivia! It was wonderful to see families, friends, staff and supporters come together to share in such a vibrant and entertaining night.

A special thank you goes to the P&F team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event such a success. From creative table decorations to incredible raffle prizes and smooth logistics, your efforts did not go unnoticed.

We are also incredibly grateful to all those who:

Donated prizes or made financial contributions
Volunteered time before or during the event
Supported the evening by attending

Funds raised on the night will go directly towards supporting the beautification and improvement of our outdoor spaces, helping to create more welcoming, functional, and engaging environments for our students to enjoy each day.

Once again, thank you for your generosity, time, and commitment to the College community. We are so lucky to have such engaged and passionate families at St Mary’s.

We’re already looking forward to the next event.

David Formosa
Director of Development