Reconciliation Week Assembly

Our Reconciliation Week Assembly this week was both informative and reflective.

I had the privilege of sharing with our students two carvings gifted to us from a Xavier Catholic College in the Tiwi Islands: a jabiru and an owl. The jabiru speaks of presence and belonging. It stands tall, grounded, connected to land and water, sure of where it is, and of where it stands. The owl, by contrast, is the watcher and the listener. It represents wisdom, the kind that comes not from speaking first, but from attending carefully, noticing what others might miss. And so, placed together, they offer a gentle but profound invitation: to be grounded, and to be attentive; to know where we stand, and to remain open to what we do not yet understand.

The gift of these carvings is culture being shared, not as something to admire from a distance, but as an invitation to engage. And with that invitation comes a quiet responsibility to receive with respect, to be curious without being careless, and to let what we learn take root in us. It strikes me that this is precisely what reconciliation asks of us. It is to be lived out, day by day, in the spirit with which we encounter one another. It is found in our willingness to tell the truth about our shared history, to listen with humility, and to allow ourselves to be changed by what we hear.

Here at St Mary’s, we are called to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are not only acknowledged but are genuinely present in the life of the school, in our classrooms, in our conversations, and in the way we relate to one another.

Thank you To Mrs Mulhall, the prefects, staff and musicians who all contributed to such a rich celebration of our indigenous people this week.

Exams

We enter the season of exams over the next few weeks with Year 11 commencing next week, followed by Year 10 in the week commencing June 8. These experiences are not simply about testing knowledge, but about building confidence, developing effective study habits, and learning how to manage time and pressure. Through practice, students become more familiar with exam conditions and better able to demonstrate what they know independently.

Advance notice that Friday, June 12, is a Student Free Day to provide time for teachers to complete assessments and commence report writing. Thank you for your support.

Visit of the EREA (VSL) Board

Edmund Rice Education Australia (Victorian Schools Ltd) is the governing body for St Mary’s College and five other schools in Victoria: Parade College, St Joseph’s College Geelong, St Patrick’s College, St Bernard’s College and Saints College. On Monday night, they will be conducting their regular meeting at St Mary’s, and we look forward to showcasing the College as part of our welcome. Thank you, in advance, to the students and staff who will be staying back so that our visitors can see some of our young people in action.

Basketball Courts re-development

Port Phillip Council has commenced the resurfacing of the basketball courts, and this area is currently fenced off while the work is taking place. We have been informed that stage 1 will take place until the end of June at which time the courts will become available for use again. In September, stage 2 will commence on dates yet to be confirmed. We thank the council for investing in the improvements that will make this a better resource for our young people.

We are asking our young people to go around the work site on their way to the railway station and not walk down the parish driveway where there is motor vehicle traffic. Please also reiterate at home your expectation that Dandenong Rd be safely crossed at the overpass. Thank you for your support.

P&F Trivia Night

A sincere thank you to our Parents & Friends Association for hosting such a vibrant and enjoyable Trivia Night on Saturday evening. With its “Denim and Diamonds” theme, it was a fun night with an excellent turnout that brought together so many members of our community in a spirit of laughter and connection.

Events like these strengthen the bonds that make St Mary’s College so special. We are deeply grateful to the organisers, volunteers, and all who attended and contributed to the evening’s success. Congratulations to the organising committee and to all of the sponsors who donated some amazing prizes to be auctioned on the night.

As a member of the staff table, it would be remiss of me not to confess that, despite great enthusiasm, we massively underperformed on the night!

Thank you once again for your continued support and please look forward for future opportunities to support our P&F. The next meeting is on Monday June 15 at 7pm.

Vale Neale Daniher

The public outpouring of sympathy on the passing of Mr Neale Daniher this week reflects the enormous impact that he has made in the community, especially over the last 13 years as he has raised awareness and resources to fight MND.

St Mary's has a long association with the Daniher family and we pass on our deepest condolences to Neale's family at this sad time.

Darren Atkinson 
Principal 

Reconciliation assembly

Our assembly this week was dedicated to National Reconciliation Week. This year’s theme, All In, is a powerful call for every Australian to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation — not only for one week of the year, and not only when it is easy or convenient, but every single day. It reminds us that reconciliation is not a spectator sport; it requires each of us to listen deeply, reflect honestly, and act with courage, compassion, and hope.

Here at St Mary’s, reconciliation is grounded in truth-telling, respect, and a genuine commitment to walking together. It is an opportunity to acknowledge how far we have come as a nation, while also recognising how far we still need to go. During the assembly, we heard from Learning leaders, staff, and students across the college community as they shared how First Nations cultures, stories, and perspectives are embedded within our learning environment .

Some of the highlights included:

• A choral poetry performance by Year 12 and Year 7 students of We Are Going by Oodgeroo Noonuccal.
• Storytelling through the lens of the Milky Way, languages, Indigenous football, and the importance of Indigenous food.
• Reflection on the purpose of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
• Sharing statistical data identifying the gaps that exist for First Nations people in education and career opportunities.
• A powerful presentation from Susan Lopez, who completed a Yingadi Aboriginal immersion at Lake Munro.
• The VCE Band and St Mary’s Choir performing Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil.

Thank you to all students and staff who contributed to and participated in the assembly. Through these voices and experiences, we will continue to grow in awareness and a shared commitment to reconciliation, helping to build a future grounded in truth, respect, and hope.

Child safety

“Child Safe Standard 4 – Families and communities are informed and involved in promoting child safety and wellbeing”

As a parent myself, I understand how challenging it can be to navigate the ever-changing teenage years. In each newsletter, I will focus on practical information that may support you on this journey, particularly in relation to the Child Safety Standards. Today’s focus is on vaping.

Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes, are electronic devices that heat liquid chemicals into an aerosol that is inhaled into the lungs. While some products are marketed with appealing flavours and colourful packaging, many vapes contain nicotine — a highly addictive substance that can affect brain development, concentration, memory, mood, and learning in adolescents.

Research shows that vaping can cause serious health concerns, including:

• Difficulty breathing and reduced lung function
• Increased anxiety, stress, and mood changes
• Nicotine addiction at a young age
• Sleep disturbances and reduced concentration
• Exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins

(source https://www.health.gov.au/vapi...)

Many young people are unaware that even occasional vaping can quickly lead to dependence. In addition, illegal or unregulated vapes may contain unknown chemicals that pose further risks to health and wellbeing.

As parents and caregivers, open and supportive conversations at home can make a significant difference. Some helpful ways to support your child include:

• Talking openly about the health risks of vaping
• Encouraging questions and listening without judgement
• Reinforcing healthy coping strategies for stress and anxiety
• Seeking support if you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing

At St Mary’s, we continue to educate students about the dangers of vaping through wellbeing programs and health education initiatives. Our goal is to foster a safe, informed, and supportive environment where students can make positive choices for their future. We also have several internal procedures in place to detect, report, and support students in making informed and healthy choices.

The following websites may provide further support and information:

• Victorian Government – Smoking and vaping advice for parents
• VicHealth – Parent vaping guide
• Quit – Supporting your child as a parent or carer

If you have concerns about vaping or would like further support, please contact your child’s pastoral leader or the Director of students jhoward@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au

Fiona Mulhall
Deputy Principal

At St Mary’s College, we are committed to creating a learning environment where students are fully engaged in their education, connected with one another, and free from unnecessary distractions during the school day.

Currently, our expectation is that mobile phones remain locked in student lockers throughout the day. While the majority of students follow this expectation, we are continuing to see phones making appearances around the College. As a result, we are preparing to strengthen our approach and move towards becoming a no mobile phone school from Term 3.

Recently, I have been working closely with our Student Voice and Class Captains groups to develop a student-led campaign focused on educating students about the benefits of keeping mobile phones locked away during the school day. These conversations have highlighted the positive impact reduced phone use can have on student learning, concentration, wellbeing, and social interaction.

There is still important work to do as we continue to develop this initiative, but I look forward to sharing the campaign and further information with families in the near future.

As part of these planned changes, we are asking parents and carers to support the transition by organising a bank card for students who purchase recess or lunch from the canteen. This will remove the need for students to carry their phones for payment purposes and will assist us in ensuring that phones remain securely locked away for the entirety of the school day.

We appreciate the ongoing support of our families as we work together to create the best possible learning environment for all students at St Mary’s College. 

Jen Howard 
Director of Students

Gat Exam 16 June

On Tuesday 16 June, students will sit their first VCAA Written exam which will be held in the Parish Hall. The GAT exam is a test of general knowledge and skills taken by students who are completing a Unit 3/4 subject or VM. It plays an important role in the quality assurance of VCE assessments and also provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate that they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy standards expected at a senior level. Students are asked to arrive no later than 8:30am. The exam is split into two parts Section A for all students and Section B only for VCE Unit 3 students. There will be no Unit 3 classes running on that day. Students have been given information about the format and expectations. Please go over these details with your child.

Practice Gat Exam 2 June 2026

To support your child’s preparation for this exam, we will be running a Practice Gat exam on Tuesday 2 June. This is a shortened version but will provide students with an opportunity to experience similar questions in a simulated environment of the real exam. However this will take place in Logie Hall and not inthe Parish Hall.

Parent Webinars to help during this time

While students can’t really study for this exam, there are past exam papers in the VCAA website. This can be a stressful time for students and staff are here to support them at this time. Our school Counsellor is available for assistance at this time. In addition Elevate is offering free parent workshops to assist parents in supporting students during this time. The webinars include:

How you can support your child during exams on June 3, 6:30- 7:30pm

How can you alleviate stress on 1 July 6:30-7:30pm

If interested please register at https://go.elevateeducation.com/auparentwebinars

If you have any questions regarding these exams, please don’t hesitate to contact me at vcecoordinator@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au

Sylvia Pastore 
VCE Coordinator 

Exam time can feel stressful, overwhelming and exhausting. While exams are an important part of school life, it is equally important to take care of your wellbeing during this busy period. Preparing well, staying balanced and keeping things in perspective can make a big difference to both your performance and your mental health.

One of the best ways to manage exam pressure is to create balance. Try to organise your time so there is room for study, rest and activities you enjoy. A simple study plan can help break tasks into manageable pieces and reduce last-minute stress. Remember that effective study also includes taking regular breaks to recharge.

Looking after your body is just as important as revising your notes. Aim to get enough sleep each night, eat nutritious meals and stay active through exercise or sport. Even a short walk, stretching or time outside can help clear your mind and improve concentration.

Exam season can also bring strong emotions. Talking with friends, family, teachers or trusted adults can help when you are feeling anxious or under pressure. Positive relationships and social connection are important supports during stressful times. It is also helpful to be mindful of conversations that increase stress or negativity, as worry can sometimes spread between groups of students.

After exams, students may experience a range of emotions when results are released. Positive results can bring excitement and pride, while disappointing results may feel upsetting or discouraging. Both reactions are normal. A result does not define your worth, future or potential.

If results are not what you hoped for, remember that setbacks are a part of life and there are always different pathways forward. Use the experience as an opportunity to reflect, learn and plan your next steps. Speaking kindly to yourself is important — the way you think and talk about yourself can strongly affect confidence and resilience.

Most importantly, recognise your effort. Exams are only one part of your journey, and every student’s path is different. Keep perspective, support one another and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Trish Maguire
College Counsellor

Year 12 Religion are running a donation drive for the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project and all year levels and staff are encouraged to bring in donations for those in need.

• Year 7 and 10 are asked to bring in pantry items
• Year 8 and 11 are asked to bring in toiletries
• Year 9 and 12 are asked to bring in cleaning and household products.

Donations end on the 5^th June 26. 

Lisa O'Callaghan
Learning Leader - Religious Education

Our Year 7 and 8 Italian students recently enjoyed a hands-on culinary experience as they prepared two of Italy’s most famous dishes: pizza and bruschetta. Students explored the cultural origins of these traditional foods while practising their Italian language skills and their eating skills!

They learned that pizza originated in Naples, in southern Italy, where it became popular as a simple and affordable meal, while bruschetta comes from central Italy and was traditionally created by farmers using toasted bread, olive oil and fresh ingredients.

The activity gave students the opportunity to experience Italian culture beyond the classroom, combining language learning with food, collaboration and creativity.

Grazie to all students involved and thanks also to Miss Nancy.

Mr Genovese
Learning Leader - Languages

P&F Trivia Night a Wonderful Success

The College community came together in fantastic spirit at this year’s P&F Trivia Night, with more than 140 parents, staff and friends enjoying an evening filled with laughter, friendly competition and community connection.

The event was a tremendous success, with tables enthusiastically taking part in a range of trivia rounds, games and activities throughout the night. The atmosphere was vibrant and welcoming, highlighting the strong sense of community that makes St Mary’s College such a special place.

A sincere thank you goes to our Parents & Friends Committee for their outstanding organisation and dedication in bringing the evening together. Their hard work behind the scenes ensured the night ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all who attended.

We also extend our gratitude to the many businesses, families and supporters who generously donated prizes and supported the event. Your contributions played a significant role in the success of the evening.

Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Trivia Night. Events such as these not only raise valuable funds for the College community, but also strengthen the connections between families and friends of St Mary’s College.

We look forward to another wonderful Trivia Night next year!

David Formosa
Director of Development

A great reminder that careers develop over time…

May 16 to 20 was National Careers Week. I was not feeling inspired to run events in that week, but fortunately my energetic colleague, Sylvia Pastore encouraged me to try a few activities. After some discussion we developed a competition for students and staff where we asked staff what they wanted to be when they were at school. We got many fascinating replies, and Sylvia made a great graphic which asked competitors to match the staff member with their past career goal. These ranged from dancers, biologists, firefighters and journalists, to authors, actors, archeologists, astronauts and architects. It was not that easy to pick, apart from the Collingwood Footballer, who everyone knew was Mr Cataldo!

This was a great reminder that careers develop over time as we mature, and we generally modify our childhood aspirations as we learn more about ourselves, our interests and talents, and the requirements of the job. Somehow, at 15, I never realized that mounted police officers had to do police training first and hope to be selected. Of course, way back then, I did not have the benefit of a careers counsellor to set me straight.

I also asked staff about their qualifications and their universities and colleges. I was so impressed! Staff members presented me with an amazing array of certificates, diplomas degrees and post-graduate qualifications. There is, after all, no such thing as ‘just a teacher’ as each one of us at St Mary’s College brings a varied experience of life, alongside a collection of impressive qualifications. Many from all over Australia as well as far and wide around the globe. Our students have much to gain from this highly qualified staff!

Lastly, I wish to congratulate our latest graduate, Sylvia Pastore, who has, with a lot of curiosity and energy, plus hard work in her own time, completed her Graduate Certificate of Careers Education. So, our VCE Coordinator has so much to bring to her roles in the school (alongside Arts, Education, IT and Law degrees). Sylvia truly models a love of learning and the importance of Lifelong Learning for all. Well done, Sylvia!

Mandy Ellwood 
Careers Counsellor

Donate your 10c Container Refunds to St Mary’s College 

Collecting 10 cent containers to recycle through the Container Deposit Scheme You can now donate your refunds to St Mary’s College anywhere in Victoria.

To find your nearest refund point, use the interactive map at https://cdsvic.org.au/locations .
All refund points have options to donate to community groups and organisations on the spot.

Our Donation Partner ID is C2000022341, listed as St Mary’s College Melbourne. The easiest way to donate your refunds to St Mary’s College is through your Zone Operator app.

If you’re in the West, visit https://tomracleanaway.com.au/victoria/ to download the West Zone app and donate anywhere over the Westgate Bridge, but also northwest Moonee Valley and Merri-bek Council areas.

If you’re in the Melbourne CBD, Yarra, Boroondara or northeast Council areas, visit https://www.visy.com/services/container-deposit-scheme/cds-vic-north-app to download the North Zone App

If you’re near the College, Port Melbourne, Caulfield, or Stonnington, Bayside or Glen Eira Council areas download the East Zone app at https://www.returnit.com.au/east-zone-app/

All donations are gratefully received by our Parents and Friends to help with improvements to your College! Thanks also for reducing litter, and caring for our environment.

Win a Million Cents by Recycling containers

Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme is giving collectors the chance to win a Million Cents!

There 5 x $10,000 cash prizes to be won. Plus, one lucky winner gets a bonus $10,000 for their favourite charity, school or community group!

Collect 50 eligible containers. Return your containers. Then complete the online entry form and upload your proof of return.

You will automatically receive 1 entry for every 50 eligible containers returned in a single transaction. You can enter as many times as you like.

To enter, visit https://winamillioncents.com.au/ .

Entries close 11:59pm Sunday, 14th June 2026.

David Formosa
Director of Development

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.

Once received, your application will be processed and held until approximately 18 months before the Year 7 intake. We are sending out offers for 2028 and places are filling quickly.

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 registrar@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au

Jo Warr
College Registrar

Sailing is a sport for everyone. 

It helps develop confidence, teamwork, responsibility, resilience, and lifelong friendships, while also improving physical fitness and mental wellbeing. It also links naturally with school subjects such as history, geography, mathematics, and science, making it both educational and enjoyable.

At the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron in the heart of St Kilda, we offer weekend sessions and holiday courses as part of one of the most unique sailing programs in Australia. Our activities include (dinghies & yacht sailing, powerboat, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, towed inflatable rides)

We bring St Kilda Harbour to life for young sailors from 7 years old, with experienced coaches and a strong focus on fun, learning, and safety. Both recreational and competitive sailing pathways are available throughout the year.

For parents and participants who wish to progress further in sailing, RMYS offers a 12-month Training Membership program. This includes access to up to nine courses across multiple disciplines, as well as savings of up to 40% compared to individual course bookings.

For more information contact - 03 9534 0227 or visit https://rmys.com.au/

David Formosa
Director of Development

Meet the Tutors

Our Thursday Tutoring sessions have quickly become a valuable part of student life, and at the heart of their success are the dedicated tutors who give their time, knowledge and encouragement each week. These sessions are more than just homework help — they are a chance for students to build confidence, develop strong study habits and learn from mentors who understand the St Mary’s experience. We are proud to introduce the tutors who are supporting our students to thrive, both in and beyond the classroom.

Raj Johnston

My name is Raj Johnston and I was College Captain in 2023. It is a privilege to return to St Mary's each week to assist with the after school tutoring program. I am passionate about seeing individuals succeed and finding the confidence to reach their potential. I can assist with a broad range of subjects, including General Maths, English and the VCE Humanities subjects. Outside of work, I love sport, particularly cricket, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family.

Ethan Oyston

My name is Ethan Oyston and I am a dedicated tutor and former Prefect of Academia at St Mary’s College. Currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, I am passionate about helping students achieve their academic goals and reach their full potential. A former St Mary’s student myself, I have a vested interest in and familiarity with the school. My main areas of expertise include English, Literature, Psychology, Legal Studies, General Mathematics, and a range of humanities and maths subjects for lower year levels.

Veronika Konotopchyk

Veronika graduated in 2025 achieving a 94.75 ATAR she is currently Laws (Honours)/Arts at Monash University

Campbell Lavender

Campbell was a member of the prefect team in 2025 and was also Dux of the College achieving a 96.35 ATAR. Campbell will be studying Laws (Honours)/Arts at Monash University.

David Formosa
Director of Development