College Captains

It was my great pleasure to announce that Stella Ligudzinski and Hugo Boddington are our 2026 College Captains, with Maya Taifernopoulos and Jack Prentice-Evans in the roles as Vice Captains. The captains are members of an outstanding student leadership team. I’ve commented previously on the strong interest in student leadership at St Mary’s with twenty candidates up for election this year. It is heartening to see so many of our young people wanting to serve their community through leadership. Thank you to all students who expressed interest in a leadership role and congratulations to those who have been elected.

ACCent on Music

I had the great privilege of joining the audience on Monday night to see our students perform at Hamer Hall as part of the Associated Catholic Colleges Music Festival – ACCent on Music. Practice and planning have gone in over many weeks to make sure that this was a fitting showcase of our collective musical talent. As one of the smaller ACC schools, it was pleasing to see the high level of representation from St Mary’s musicians. Congratulations to those who made the commitment to take up this wonderful opportunity. As was commented on the night … how many people can say that they’ve played to a sold-out Hamer Hall! Thank you to Ms Katie Thomas, Director of Music, our instrumental teachers and support staff for preparing our young performers for this world-class stage.

Father’s Day Breakfast

Thank you to our fathers and father figures who joined us last Thursday for our Father's Day Breakfast. Our School Counsellor, Ms Trish Maguire, spoke to those assembled about how fathering takes many forms and the value of RUOK as a starting point in a conversation. We give thanks to those who have accepted the vocation of fatherhood and, in so doing, shared with us their love and devotion. Thanks especially to Ms Saundry, Mr Formosa and Mr Lancashire who catered for our breakfast today.

Year 11 Formal

Our Year 11 Formal was held at Lakeside Pavilion last week and there have been many positive comments about the conduct and participation on display on the evening – including from the manager of the venue. Our students were on the dance floor all night except when enjoying a very nice meal and receiving awards presented by Maya and Hugo. Thank you to Mr Tollit for coordinating this evening and to the staff who were present to supervise.

Trial Exams

During the holidays our Unit 3 and 4 students will be undertaking trial exams in preparation for the upcoming exam period. As well as providing feedback, we endeavour to replicate the conditions of the final exam to help demystify what can be a stressful period. Thank you to our Year 12 teachers and to Mr Daniel Di Lisio, Director of Learning and Teaching, for their efforts to provide this opportunity.

Term 4 Commencement

• Monday 6^th October – Student Free day (Staff Spirituality Day)
• Tuesday 7^th October - Students recommence.

Uniform Term 4

When we return for Term 4, we are in summer uniform. We seek your support in promoting the wearing of our uniform with pride by ensuring all items worn each day are in accordance with our uniform guidelines. Uniform is one area in which we can show support for our High Expectations priority, with confidence that this will flow through to other aspects of learning.

The Uniform Shop is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 4pm and the first Saturday of the month from 9am to 1pm. Details are available on the College website.

Darren Atkinson 
Principal 

Last week the Year 12 VM Students attended the Melbourne Museum to complete a road safety education program. The learned about the ways in which safety on our roads has changed over the last 40 years. Students were engaged in an interactive session where they played games, completed quizzes, and completed virtual reality tasks to understand how to avoid dangers.

Students then used media technology to produce a television advert to display a message of safety on our roads. These adverts will be shown in class and used as a basis for further research on how to remain safe in cars. This is vital for them, moving onto the roads and getting their drivers licences at this stage of life as young adults. 

Grant Godbold 
Vocational Major 

Last Thursday we took four teams to the CGSAV Netball competition, with all teams representing the school very well. Both the Senior and Junior A team progressed to the finals, finishing as runners-up after some tough games. The commitment shown by all players throughout their Term 2 training truly paid off, and we are proud of their efforts on the day.

Lucy Dickson
Year 7 Pastoral Leader

On Thursday 11, September the College recognised and celebrated R U OK DAY. We had several students from Student Voice assisting us on the day, handing out ribbons and RUOK day biscuits. The article below was written by one of our senior students- Molly Andrews-Dodds for all college students to read on the day. Molly has explained the significance of the day perfectly. I invite you to read her article which speaks of the importance of recognising mental health in our society.

R U, OK? Day 2025 - Thursday 11th of September

R U, OK? Day, a National Day of Action that reminded us of the need to check in with the people around us. Sometimes, a simple ‘Are you okay?’ can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

• 9* people take their lives every day in Australia.
• An estimated 55,000 Australians make a suicide attempt every year.
• More than seven million Australian adults are close to someone who has attempted or were close to someone who succeeded.

These numbers are not just stats, they’re people. Brothers. Sisters. Mums. Dads. Friends. Athletes. Celebrities. Humans. People.

At school, we encourage everyone to take a moment to look out for your friends, classmates, and teachers. You don’t need to be an expert to reach out, just being there and listening, and showing that you care, is what matters most.

Remember:

• Ask, R U, OK?
• Listen with an open mind
• Encourage action if they need support
• Check in again later

Alongside R U, OK? day, September is also National Suicide Prevention month. Around 700,000 people die from suicide globally each year. That’s about one person every 40 seconds. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15–19-year-olds. Every suicide is a tragedy which affects families, friends, communities, everyone.

Most people who commit suicide rarely show signs of it prior. They may seem cheerful, energetic, or quite frankly ‘normal’, but no one truly ever knows, except them. You never know what someone is going through, you never know the full story.

So please, reach out to somebody today, whether it’s through text, email, in the hallways, or in conversation.

Tell them you love them. Ask them, ‘R U, OK?’.

You are not alone. 

Molly Andrews-Dodds
Student

Celebrating Fathers & Mentors at St Mary’s

Last week, our College community gathered in Logue Hall for the annual Fathers & Mentors Breakfast – a cherished occasion on our calendar that recognises the significant role fathers, mentors and carers play in the lives of our young people.

Over a shared breakfast, guests enjoyed the chance to connect with one another and spend time with their children in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The morning also included important College updates from our Principal, Mr Darren Atkinson, as well as a thoughtful presentation from School Counsellor, Ms Trish Maguire, who spoke about the joys and challenges of fathering adolescents.

The event was a wonderful reminder of the power of positive role models in shaping the lives of our students, and we thank all those who attended for making the morning so meaningful.

David Formosa
Director of Development

🎸 St. Mary’s College Musical 2026 Announcement! 🎭

We’re excited to reveal that our 2026 school musical will be Rock of Ages – a high-energy, feel-good rock spectacular! Set in the rock renaissance of the 80’s, the musical is a fast-paced, riotously funny deep-dive into the glam world of yesteryear. With smash hit songs like ‘We Built this City’, ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ and ‘Don’t Stop Believin’, this musical will have you headbanging your night away!

🎤 Auditions open to all students in Years 8–12
📅 Auditions will take place in Week 2 of Term 4
📣 Stay tuned – more details coming soon!

Whether you're ready to hit the high notes or rock the stage behind the scenes, we want you to be part of this amazing production!

Brendan Tollit
Director

A Spectacular Night at Hamer Hall: ACCent on Music Concert 2025

On Monday, Hamer Hall was filled with the vibrant sounds of youth and passion as over 600 music students from 13 schools came together for an extraordinary concert event, ACCent on Music. This remarkable gathering showcased the incredible talent, dedication, and hard work of our young musicians, who experienced the rare and special privilege of performing in one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls.

For many of these students, stepping onto the Hamer Hall stage was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - an unforgettable moment in their musical journey. The grandeur of the venue matched the excellence of their performances, making the night truly magical.

Behind the scenes, staff members worked tirelessly to bring this event to life, enduring many sleepless nights to ensure everything ran smoothly. Their commitment and dedication were instrumental in creating a seamless and inspiring experience for both performers and audience alike.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the students for their hard work, passion, and perseverance. Your dedication to your craft shone brightly, and the memories made on that stage will resonate for years to come.

Massed Music Concert Shines in Logue Hall

Although it feels like ages ago now, last week’s Massed Music Concert brought incredible energy and talent to Logue Hall, with over 50 students taking part. From the beautiful, harmonious tones of the string ensemble and choir to the electrifying passion and energy of the rock bands, the evening was a fantastic celebration of music and student dedication.

A huge thank you goes to the staff and instrumental teachers whose hard work and commitment throughout the year made this performance possible. We also appreciate all the parents who came out to support and enjoy the show — your encouragement means the world to our young musicians.

Year 10 Solo Recital Night

Last week’s Year 10 Music Recital Evening was a wonderful showcase of our talented students’ solo performances. The concert featured a beautiful blend of piano and guitar pieces, highlighting the hard work and dedication of the majority of our performers. We were also treated to some exciting variety with standout performances on drums, vocals, and trombone, adding a dynamic touch to the evening. Congratulations to all our Year 10 musicians for their passion and skill—your efforts truly made the night memorable.

Katie Thomas
Director of Music 

AFLW Lightning Premiership

Our St Mary’s College Girls AFLW team represented the College with pride in the recent Female Lightning Premiership, hosted by the St Kilda Football Club and played at the Healthy Futures Hub in Seaford. The competition brought together schools from across the region in a fantastic showcase of skill, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Our girls were outstanding across the day, going from strength to strength and securing their place in the Grand Final against Mordialloc College. In a tough and physical encounter, the team fought hard but eventually went down to a strong opposition.

Coach Mr Harper could not have been prouder of the group, praising their effort, commitment, and determination: “The girls gave everything they had. They played with spirit and represented the College with distinction. I couldn’t be happier with their performance.”

We congratulate the team on this wonderful achievement. To reach the Grand Final against larger and well-established programs is a testament to their dedication and growth.

David Formosa
Director of Development

Intermediate Basketball Team Grand Final

Our Intermediate Basketball team capped off an outstanding season with a hard-fought appearance in the grand final against Emmanuel College. Despite their determination and resilience right to the final buzzer, the boys were outclassed by a strong opponent, going down 60–43.

Matthew Bautista led the scoring with an impressive 22 points, while Noah Deng added 8, supported by a committed team effort across the court.

For a school of our size, competing — and succeeding — against much larger schools is an achievement we are truly proud of. The team can hold their heads high, having showcased skill, spirit and sportsmanship throughout the season. Congratulations to all players and coaches on a terrific campaign.

David Formosa
Coach

St Mary’s College Triathlon Academy

Delivered by Momentum Triathlon Academy

We are excited to launch the St Mary’s College Triathlon Academy, delivered in partnership with Momentum Triathlon Academy. This 6-week program is designed to build skills in swimming, cycling, and running, and provides a fantastic pathway for those interested in competing in the first race of the 2XU Triathlon Series.

Program Details:

• Start Date: Monday 13 October

• Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays, 7:15 – 8:15 am

• Sessions:

  • One swim-focused session each week

  • One bike/run-focused session each week

• Program Cost: $200 (payment will be made in Week 3 of the program)

• Extra Opportunities: Participants are also invited to attend the Momentum Triathlon Academy swim/run events on November 6, 15, and 27, all included in the academy fees.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students to challenge themselves, improve their endurance, and experience the excitement of triathlon in a supportive environment.

To register, families are asked to email David Formosa at dformosa@stmaryscollege.vic.edu.au with their child’s name and year level.

Whether your child is a beginner wanting to try something new, or an experienced athlete ready to take the next step, the St Mary’s College Triathlon Academy is open to all.

David Formosa
Director of Development

St Mary’s College Bunnings BBQ – Sunday 26 October

We’re firing up the grill! St Mary’s College will be hosting a Bunnings BBQ fundraiser at Bunnings Port Melbourne (501–503 Williamstown Road) on Sunday 26 October.

This is always a fantastic day for our College community to come together, showcase our spirit, and raise funds to support our programs. We’d love to see as many families as possible drop by for a sausage and show your support.

If you’re unable to volunteer on the day but would still like to contribute, donations of soft drinks would be greatly appreciated. These can be dropped off at the College in the lead-up to the event.

Thank you in advance for your generosity – every sausage sizzled and every drink sold makes a difference!

David Formosa
Director of Development