Easter Liturgy

Today we gathered as a community for an Easter Liturgy in Logue Hall. For Christians, Easter is the most important festival in the liturgical calendar, as we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the cornerstone of our tradition and the essential truth on which our belief is founded; that even in the darkest of times, suffering on the Cross, we are called forward into the light by the Risen Christ. Easter is a time of saying thanks for the year that has passed, asking forgiveness for the many times that we have failed to live up to our own expectations, and going forward with confidence that we are forgiven and loved. It is also an important time as a secular holiday for many families to capture a rare opportunity to come together and share a thanksgiving meal. Whatever Easter may mean for you, I hope that your family's celebration is rich and life-giving.

Farewell to Mr Shaun Lancashire

Following our Easter Liturgy today we farewelled Mr Shaun Lancashire as a community at an Assembly. Amongst the invited guests were Mrs Rosemary Lancashire and children Harry and Alexandra. Those recognising the contribution on Mr Lancashire spoke about the embodiment of the four EREA Touchstones. Mr David Formosa spoke about the way Shaun has built an Inclusive Community; Ms Judy Vandrine reflected on his strong sense of Justice and Solidarity; Mr Terry Blizzard (Past Principal) spoke on the theme of Gospel Spirituality; and Year 12 Student, Lily Folloso gave a firsthand account of Shaun as a Liberating Educator. Finally, Mr Brendan Tollit reflected on a 20-year friendship with Shaun, before inviting him to respond. The Assembly finished with a rousing rendition of “Don’t Stop Believing” with Shaun on drums. We are certainly sad to be losing a champion of St Mary’s College and wish Mr Lancashire every happiness in the next stage of his professional life.

Change of Uniform

When we return from holidays, we move into a winter season for uniform. There are a variety of styles available in the winter range to suit the needs of your young person, and these are described in our uniform brochure. It is worth noting that shorts are permitted as part of the winter uniform as this is not demonstrated in the infographic. We appreciate the support that we have received this year and have witnessed improvements in the wearing of the summer uniform as a sign of pride in our identity as St Mary’s College. I hope to see this improvement continue as we move into winter uniform.

Staffing News

In Term 2 we will welcome Mrs Fiona Mulhall (Deputy Principal and Religious Education), Ms Jenice Monisha (Mathematics), Ms Emanuela Campello (Italian Language), and we welcome back Ms Nicola op’t Hoog.

We farewell and thank Mr Shaun Lancashire, Ms Wendy Mair and Mr Harish Mistry.

Thanks for Term 1

This is the last Lumina for the term and a great opportunity to acknowledge a very encouraging start to the year. It is a term rich in activities and first-time experiences as we welcome new students, staff, and families to our community. We have celebrated our Welcome Liturgy and Excellence Assembly in Logue Hall; Swimming Carnival and team building camps for Year 7s and 8s. Last week we conducted a very productive round of parent teacher interviews. Each of these events brought our community closer together in one way or another.

I would like to thank our students for returning to school this year with a positive outlook and I appreciate that this mindset starts in the home with your encouragement and guidance. Thanks also to the St Mary’s College staff who continue to show that they are educators of the highest calibre.

Term 2 Dates

Students return for Term 2 on Tuesday, 21^st April. Note that there are no classes on Monday 20^th April as this is a staff professional learning day. The last day of Term 2 is Friday, 26^th June.

Easter Message from Fr Jerome Santamaria (SMC Chaplain)

A while back, our movies seemed dominated by superheroes; characters that invited us to consider a larger universe, even an evolutionary leap. More recently, the acceleration of artificial intelligence technology raises similar questions, but from a different starting point: will humanity be overtaken? Easter invites us to take stock of all this: to wonder whether our imaginations are in fact not running ahead, but instead playing catch-up? What if, after language, the next step-change in the universe was charity? What if the structure of the universe and its direction have already been revealed: and both are love?

Easter presents us with the figure of Christ, God become human, the Word taking flesh. And it presents us with Christ on the Cross: the seeming logic of the universe – of power, of violence – turned on its head. Nothing can be taken because all has already been given. I pray that this Easter will be a time of peace and reflection for us all. May we know the power of God, of Divine Love in our hearts and in our homes.

Principal Renewal Leave

Please be advised that I will be absent for the first two weeks of Term 2 on Principal Renewal Leave. Mrs Mulhall will be leading in my absence.

Darren Atkinson
Principal

Unit 3 and 4 Product Design and Technology is a portfolio-based subject that develops skills for students focused on university pathways in areas such as Design, Engineering, Architecture and Project Management.

In Product Design and Technology (“PDT”), students identify an end user or target market with a specific need, and work to address this by designing an innovative product. These products may be developed using either textiles or resistant materials.

Assessment in PDT include written SACs, an external examination, and a design portfolio, which incorporates the practical construction of the student’s product.

As part of their portfolios this year, students were interviewed by Ted McMahon, Prefect of the Arts, to discuss the early development of their design process.

A selection of these interviews can be viewed here:
https://sway.cloud.microsoft/clorAqmrdsFnZ6j3?ref=Link

The Unit 3 and 4 PDT class of 2026 has made a very positive start to the year, and I look forward to seeing their ideas continue to develop.

Mr Michael Pye
Learning Leader – Technologies

Rehearsals for Rock of Ages are going incredibly well, with the cast already showing strong energy and commitment ahead of the August performances. A recent highlight was their performance of “Don’t Stop Believin’” at a full school assembly, which was met with enthusiastic applause and plenty of praise from students and staff alike. With such a positive response so early on, excitement is building as the cast continues to refine their show and bring the production to life.

Brendan Tollit
Year12 Pastoral Leader/Drama Co-ordinator

Year 11 Business Management students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit the Amazon Fulfilment Centre (MEL5) located in Ravenhall. The excursion provided students with a real-world insight into how one of the world’s largest e-commerce businesses operates on a daily basis. Students were able to see firsthand how Amazon uses a combination of advanced technology, efficient systems, and a skilled workforce to deliver products quickly and accurately.

Throughout the visit, students observed key Business Management concepts in action, including:

• Students saw how goods are received, stored, picked, packed, and shipped efficiently within the warehouse.
• The use of equipment such as forklifts, pallet systems, and digital tracking systems highlighted how technology improves productivity and accuracy.
• Students learned about the roles of employees within the facility and the importance of training, safety procedures, and teamwork.
• The excursion demonstrated how Amazon connects suppliers, warehouses, and customers in a streamlined distribution network.

Students gained valuable insight into how businesses like Amazon meet customer needs through:

• Fast delivery times
• Efficient logistics systems
• Large-scale storage capabilities
• Continuous investment in technology and innovation

The excursion was a highly engaging and practical learning experience, allowing students to connect classroom theory with real-world business operations. By seeing these processes in action, students developed a deeper understanding of how large organisations operate within the internal and external environment by having a customer led approach.

Overall, the visit to Amazon’s Fulfilment Centre was an insightful and memorable experience, supporting students in their study of Business Management and inspiring them to think about future careers in business, logistics, and technology.

Niki Halvatzis
Teacher

Students have been made aware that as of Term 2, I will be the College VCE Coordinator. While I take over from the wonderful work that Wendy Mair has done, I am not truly new to the role - I have previously worked as a VCE Coordinator for over 10 years and returning to the role is both exciting and daunting.

I would like you to know that my role is to work with you and your young adult so they can achieve the best possible outcomes. I am fortunate, as I am not working in isolation: that I work closely with Mandy Ellwood (Careers Counsellor), Trish McGuire (School Counsellor), Jeanette Clinch (Special Provisions Coordinator), and Brendan Tollit and Judy Vandrine (VCE Pastoral Leaders), Grant Godbold (VCE VM Coordinator) as well as Daniel Di Lisio and other Leadership Team members. Together, we will work as a team to ensure that every student can achieve their personal best in VCE

As always, time seems to pass so quickly when students are in VCE. Students have now completed a term of their Unit 1 and Unit 3 studies and should have settled into a regular routine of regular revision, study for SACs and homework. It has been a long term and the break for many is very much needed. It is important that students use this time to recharge and step away from the rigors of the school day.

While rest is important, the holidays present valuable time to consolidate the learning done this term. I recently came across a quote comparing VCE to going to the gym – progress isn’t visible straight away but consistency over time is where improvement is seen. Consistency is the key in VCE and creating a regular schedule of study and revision is vital. The exams may seem far away, ( they will be here before we know it) so students may think these holidays are a well-deserved break, however, using even some of holiday time to revise, create study notes, and especially to identify areas needing further attention can make a significant difference when Term 2 begins.

I would encourage VCE students to use these holidays to:

• Create study notes for all coursework completed to date. Refer to the VCAA Study Design for each subject to ensure notes are thorough and well-organised.
• Revise key concepts and work toward establishing a strong understanding of the material covered this term. Go over past exams /assessments or feedback given by teachers.
• Flag any areas of uncertainty to raise with their teachers upon their return to school. We are so fortunate to have a very passionate group of VCE Staff. Our VCE staff go above and beyond for our students, and I encourage students to reach out to them whenever they need support
• Establish a study schedule if one is not already in place. Building this habit over the holidays means students can continue the routine more easily when school starts back next term.

Consistency is the key to success in VCE:

• Do the work you are asked to do
• Complete it on time
• Do it to the best of your ability

and the holidays offer extra time to both consolidate and get ahead. I look forward to working with you and your VCE student throughout this year. If you need to contact me for any VCE related matters, please use the following email address: VCECoordinator@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au

Sylvia Pastore
VCE Coordinator

In Year 7 we have a long-standing tradition of painting portraits where students choose a celebrity or significant person in their life that they admire and connect with.

In preparation for this task, students create a written profile of their subject where they are required to write two paragraphs; the first to communicate information about their subject, in terms of their celebrity, their achievements, skills, and personality. This is followed by a description of their physical features.

Encouraging visual literacy is a significant and essential part of the art-making process; students begin to speak and write, not only in descriptive language but also in qualitative terms, where emotions, feelings and evoking a particular mood, can be communicated and their intentions and meaning. made known.

In support of this, students are required to use art terms and to also to develop their use of adjectives and explore synonyms—alternative words that provide a more accurate and specific meaning. Synonyms can replace words, but sometimes they also add extra meaning and poignancy. They can further extend their vocabulary by using nuanced language to create a fuller, more precise picture of their subject. For this, we use the Visual Thesaurus and Word Hippo websites.

Being able to clearly articulate their work gives students a stronger sense of authority and confidence in their artistic expression.

Over the years, students have chosen a wide range of portrait subjects, including sportspeople, musicians, artists, actors, athletes, as well as popes and politicians, resulting in a rich and diverse body of work that reflects both individual interests and thoughtful personal connections.

The first stage involves students drawing a formulaic portrait without individual features, focusing initially on placement, proportions, shapes, and textures in a step-by-step process. They start with general shapes and gradually refine them into more specific details, and arriving at the final image, where having adjusted the shapes through keen observation, they capture a resemblance of their subject.

After this, students choose a photograph of their subject to study more closely and follow the above process in their painting. They focus on mixing palettes of different skin tones, starting with three main tonal variations—dark, medium, and light—they then move on to more nuanced work, mixing the more subtle tones in between these contrasts. Smaller brushes are used to refine shapes and add subtle details, such as delicate eyelashes and a tiny scoop of white to add the sparkle in the eye.

Here is a sneak peek of some of the drawings from the Year 7’s. See if you can guess the celebrity! Answers in the next newsletter!

Sienna Fantauzzo’s portrait presents a thoughtful and enigmatic subject, rendered through strong and softened gestural lines that suggest movement and emphasis.

Georgia Spyropoulos’ portrait evokes a classical sensibility, with the presence of tears and drapery recalling the Mater Dolorosa—the sorrowful mother—imbuing the work with emotion and quiet reverence.	Sheika Gregorio’s work demonstrates elegance and control, capturing a sophisticated, confident figure with a strong presence.	Ethen Hu’s representation of a political figure achieves a striking and formidable likeness, conveying both presence and authority.
Chanel McGindle’s portrait depicts a figure facing the viewer with quiet assurance, communicating a sense of calm confidence.	Xandrine Nami Palmos ’ figure conveys strength and purpose, depicted in armour, suggesting resilience and determination.	Sienna Fantauzzo’s portrait presents a thoughtful and enigmatic subject, rendered through strong and softened gestural lines that suggest movement and emphasis.

Susan Lopez
Art Teacher

Call for Trivia Night Donations – Support Our Community

As we prepare for our upcoming Trivia Night on Saturday 23 May , we’re reaching out to our wonderful school community for support.

We are currently seeking donations of prizes for our raffle and silent auction. These contributions play a vital role in making the evening a success, while also helping us raise important funds to support school initiatives and opportunities for our students.

Donations could include:

• Gift vouchers or experiences
• Products or services
• Event tickets or hospitality packages
• Hampers or specialty items

This is a fantastic opportunity for business owners within our community to showcase their services. As a token of our appreciation, all contributing businesses will receive a complimentary listing in our school business directory, providing valuable exposure to our wider network of families.

Whether you’re a business owner or simply able to contribute an item, every donation—big or small—will make a meaningful difference.

If you would like to donate or learn more, please contact me at dformosa@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au

Thank you for your ongoing support and generosity. We look forward to a fantastic evening together at Trivia Night.

David Formosa
Director of Development 

On Friday at lunchtime, we were fortunate to have Maddie from the Fitzroy Amateur Football Club and Jack from regional Victoria run a training session for our Intermediate AFL squad.

They delivered excellent handball and tackling drills, which the St Mary’s boys benefited greatly from, further developing their skills in these key areas.

A huge thank you to Assistant Coach Mr Lockwood for organising the session.

One Connection. One Team. One Goal.

Eddie Cavolo
Coach/Teacher

This morning we announced the leadership group for the 2026 season.

We had a number of applications. Well done to the following boys

• Eamon Dunne Captain
• Noah Boribon Vice Captain
• Harrison Mullender Vice Captain
• Zac Juegan Vice Captain

We have complete faith in these boys that will drive the "One Connection, One Team, One Goal." Motto.

Mr Cavolo and Mr Lockwood
Teacher/Coach and LSO

What’s On In the Holidays.

Holidays are here!!

Our Easter religious celebrations may take up much of the holidays ahead, but when these celebrations end and there is time to relax and unwind, there are many options available to us.

For some people this is doing something they have not done before.

It is not always possible to go away to a destination for holidays but there are many things of interest at home which allow for unwinding, relaxation and having fun.

While a spontaneous activity can bring joy, at other times, planning an activity can be important. Planned or spontaneous, the examples of activities and experiences in the websites below might help you decide (some free, some with a cost).

Best of all, during these holidays public transport is free – a great incentive to experience something different.

Check out:

https://www.melbourning.com.au/

searoad.com.au

https://onehourout.com.au/melbourne/

https://www.racv.com.au/

smallideas.com.au.

Here are some further examples of events and activities happening locally or in regional Victoria.

• Bendigo Easter Festival (3–6 April) – A colorful, family-friendly event featuring carnival rides, kids’ activities, markets, live performances, and the spectacular Chinese Dragon Parade with the world’s longest Imperial Dragon, Dai Gum Loong
• Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival (5–6 April) – Discover heritage parades, vintage steam engines, pony rides, and craft stalls in this charming rural town
• Local Easter Egg Hunts (from 28 March) – Many suburbs host hunts the weekend before Easter: Diamond Creek, Croydon Main Street, Sunshine Plaza, Moonee Ponds, and Caroline Springs all have family-friendly
• Ride on the Puffing Billy Steam Train in the Dandenong Ranges — a classic day out where kids can dangle their feet over the edge of the heritage carriages as the train winds through the forest
• SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium – Spot penguins, sharks, and the new Rocky Shores rockpool habitat. Great for curious kids who love marine life
• Sovereign Hill (Ballarat) – Recreate the gold rush era, pan for gold, and enjoy the Easter “old-time” fun including egg hunts and outdoor performances.
• Melbourne Museum- Kids get in free.
• Jurassic Unearthed Live (Caulfield Racecourse, 28 Mar–27 Apr) – See animatronic dinosaurs and enjoy fossil-dig zones perfect for young explorers
• Met Art World (Port Melbourne) – Kids can engage with interactive art and light installations.
• Tufttea Studios (Carlton) – For older kids, make your own custom rug in a creative workshop session.
• Royal Botanic Gardens – The Explorer Bus (kids ride free during school holidays).
• Moonlight Cinemas – Family-friendly outdoor movie nights.
• Ballarat’s Sturt Street Gardens (28 Mar–9 Apr) – See giant decorated Easter eggs and neon bunnies for great photo ops

Whatever this holiday season brings your family, I hope you all find time to relax, have some time out and enjoy each other’s company.

Be safe and stay well.

Kind Regards, 

Trish Maguire 
College Counselor 

Uniform Shop Holiday Trading Hours

As we quickly approach Term 2, parents can take advantage of the holiday trading hours to purchase winter uniform. 

David Formosa
Director of Development