End of Term Thanks

As we come to the end of Term 3, I want to thank our students, staff and families for another full and productive term at St Mary’s.

There has been much to be proud of – from the achievements of our students in the classroom, on the sporting field and in the performing arts, to the work of our staff in strengthening learning, supporting our young people and continuing to build a strong sense of belonging across the College.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the life of the College this term. I hope you enjoy the break and return ready for what promises to be an exciting Term 4.

Massed Music Concert

I had the great pleasure to see our students perform as part of the Massed Music Concert last Thursday evening. Practice and planning have gone in over many weeks to make sure that this was a fitting showcase of our collective musical talent. The program provided an opportunity for our larger bands, musical and symphonic, in the first half and after the interval, the year-level based rock bands got their turn on stage. Congratulations to those students who made the commitment to take up this wonderful opportunity. Thank you to Ms Katie Thomas, Director of Music, our instrumental teachers and support staff for preparing our young performers.

Father’s Day Breakfast

Thank you to our fathers and father figures who joined us last Thursday for our Father's Day Breakfast. It was a great turn-out and real show of support from our community. 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 Mr David Formosa and the Food Technology team who catered for our breakfast and the staff who attended to extend a warm welcome.

Replacement College Bus

I would like to extend a huge thank you to the dedicated team who make up our Parents and Friends Association (P&F) for their donation towards a replacement College bus following the breakdown of our last vehicle. Our bus plays an important role in supporting student activities such as ACC sport and saves us having to hire. Please look for opportunities to support the P&F through their fund-raising activities and consider whether you may be able to volunteer your services in some capacity. The next meeting is on Monday October 12 at 7pm in the College Boardroom.

Trial Exams

During the September 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 Ms Sylvia Pastore, VCE Co-Ordinator, Mr Daniel Di Lisio, Director of Learning and Teaching, and our Year 12 teaching staff for their efforts to provide this opportunity.

Term 4 Commencement

• Monday 5^th October – Student Free day (Staff Formation Day)
• Tuesday 6^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

“It’s a modern necessity to own a phone, but to be owned by the phone is a modern sickness.” — Anonymous

Term 3 saw a greater focus on, and accountability for, our students in relation to mobile and wearable devices. As our understanding of the impact of technology on young people continues to grow, so too does the research highlighting the potentially addictive nature of smartphones and the impact they can have on attention, relationships and wellbeing.

One way we can continue to support our young people in making informed and healthy choices is to be counter-cultural. While mainstream society may increasingly view constant connectivity as the norm, at St Mary’s we are choosing to provide a different way. We are creating space for our students to engage with one another and develop healthy habits around technology.

Firstly, thank you to our parents and students who have met these expectations, as well as to the parents who have supported the College when consequences have been applied. Your partnership has been an important part of the success of this initiative.

Following a high number of consequences in Week 1, incidents declined steadily over the first five weeks before stabilising at a significantly lower level. The data, together with anecdotal evidence, suggests that students are increasingly understanding and meeting the College’s expectations regarding mobile and wearable device use. “Don’t ruin your day, lock it away.”

One of the most encouraging observations has been the change in student interactions during break times. Walking around the College, it has been wonderful to see students more engaged in conversation with one another. The reduction in mobile phone use has contributed to creating a safer and more connected environment for our students.

Ms Jen Howard, Director of Students, should be acknowledged and congratulated for the successful implementation of this initiative, alongside the members of the student voice group. Jen’s leadership, commitment and consistency have been instrumental in helping to create a safer, more positive and more connected environment for students at St Mary’s.

This initiative reminds us that sometimes leadership means choosing a different path. At St Mary’s, we are committed to helping our young people develop the confidence and skills to make choices that support their wellbeing. This initiative will continue into term 4. I wish you and your families a safe, restful and well-deserved break. Best of luck to our Year 12 students preparing for the trial examinations and VM student completing competencies.

Fiona Mulhall 
Deputy Principal

Our Year 10 students recently participated in our annual Religion Retreat Day, providing them with an opportunity to experience Catholic traditions and deepen their understanding of what makes the St Mary’s community such a loving and caring environment.

The day began with a special Mass at St Mary’s Parish, celebrated by Capuchin priest Father James, who is also a former student of the College. Father James shared stories of his time at St Mary’s many years ago, and it was wonderful for students to hear about his personal connection to the school. They particularly appreciated hearing from someone who had once walked the same journey they are now experiencing and could relate to their lives as current St Mary’s students. Students were also very respectful and participated in Mass, receiving blessings and communion for those that were confirmed.

Following Mass, students participated in a range of workshops in the hall, where they explored our Catholic identity and shared a small meal together. The meal provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate acts of service towards one another, while also learning about the importance of gratitude through the tradition of saying grace before eating.

We look forward to the opportunity to welcome Father James back to the College in the future, allowing our students to further connect with his story and strengthen their understanding of the St Mary’s community. The St Mary’s community is truly blessed to have both Fr Jerome and Fr James guide us in the celebration of the Sacraments and generously share their stories, experiences, wisdom and faith with our students and wider school community.

Thank you to all those who joined us on the day. It was wonderful to see everyone participating enthusiastically and embracing the opportunities for reflection, learning, service, and connection throughout the day.

Amy Fitzpatrick 
Teacher

Our Year 7 Science students have had a busy and successful term exploring the fascinating world of mixtures.

Throughout the term, students completed three practical experiments, carefully following scientific methods, making observations and collecting and recording their results. These experiments gave students the opportunity to develop their confidence working safely and independently in the science laboratory.

Students investigated homogeneous mixtures and learnt about the important roles of solutes and solvents when substances dissolve. They also explored how Benedict’s solution can be used to test for reducing sugars and observed how chemical tests can provide evidence about what substances are present.

A major focus of the unit was learning how mixtures can be separated. Students explored a range of techniques, including filtration, evaporation, chromatography and distillation, and learnt how the properties of different substances determine which separation method is most suitable.

To finish the unit, students completed a Mixtures Test, giving them the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and practical understanding they had developed throughout the term.

Completing three experiments, recording results and preparing for an assessment required organisation, persistence and plenty of scientific thinking. The Year 7s should be very proud of what they have achieved.

Well done to our Year 7 scientists on a fantastic term of Science!

Amy Fitzpatrick
Teacher

On Thursday, 10 September, 53 students represented St Mary's College at the CGSAV Netball competition.

The girls showed incredible determination, teamwork and perseverance, continuing to fight hard regardless of the tough competition they faced on court.

Juniors:

A special mention goes to Ava A and Kyla, who dominated the junior competition with their outstanding performances. Their skill, confidence and teamwork were fantastic to watch and played a huge part in the team’s success throughout the day.

We would also like to give a huge shout-out to Chloe S (Year 11), who stepped up to coach and lead the Junior C team for the entire day. Her leadership, encouragement and commitment were greatly appreciated and were a wonderful example of student leadership.

Intermediate A:

The Intermediate A team had an incredible day, making their way through the competition and earning a spot in the Grand Final.

The team played exceptionally well and should be incredibly proud of their achievement. While Killester College ultimately took the win, our girls gave it their all and represented the school with determination and pride. Reaching the Grand Final was a fantastic accomplishment!

Senior:

The Senior A team also had a fantastic day on court. For our Year 12 students, this was their final CGSAV event, making the day an especially meaningful one.

They represented the school with enthusiasm, sportsmanship and great team spirit, finishing their CGSAV journey on a high.

Congratulations!!

Annouk Thaddeus 
Teaching Staff

Congratulations to the Students who represented St Mary's College in ACC Cross Country. We competed in Division 2 and finished a respectable 4th. I was absolutely delighted with how our students conducted themselves on the day and everyone who participated can hold their head high. The theme and message was about 'emptying the tank' being proud of the effort you give and the rewarding feeling that comes with completing a tough event. A special thanks to John for helping me out with trainings, Anouk for her hard work behind the scenes and Dana for assisting on the day.

Special mentions to - Noah Bubica, Mason Roach, Emerson Nicolai, Eamon Dunne, Sebastian Maddams and Cameron Hoad for winning their year level competitions.

Hopefully the day inspired our students to include healthy running/lifestyle habits that will set them up for life. A lesson we all hopefully learned from the day is when you don't think you have anymore to give....You do.

Thanks, 

Adrian Cataldo
Teacher

P&F Bunnings Sausage Sizzle – We Need Your Help!

The St Mary’s College Parents & Friends are getting ready for another Bunnings Sausage Sizzle on Sunday 18 October, and we’re calling on our wonderful College community to get behind the day.

These fundraising events are a great way to support our students while bringing parents, carers and friends together. We are looking for volunteers who can spare some time during the day to help with cooking, serving and general duties.

Even an hour or two makes a difference! No experience is required – just come along, lend a hand and enjoy being part of the St Mary’s community.

If you can help, please complete the volunteer form:

Volunteer Form – Bunnings Sausage Sizzle

Can’t volunteer on the day? You can still help!

The P&F would also greatly appreciate donations of cans of soft drink to sell on the day. Every donation helps us maximise the funds raised for our students.

Thank you to everyone who supports our P&F fundraising activities. Whether you can volunteer your time, donate some soft drinks or simply come along and grab a sausage, your support makes a real difference!

David Formosa
Director of Development

Year 11 Students Inspired by the Story of John Pridmore

Our Year 11 students recently had the privilege of attending a special presentation by international Catholic speaker and author John Pridmore, who travelled from the United Kingdom to share his remarkable story with students across Melbourne.

John spoke openly about a challenging period in his younger life, when feelings of anger, hurt and disconnection led him down a destructive path and into London’s criminal world. Despite outward signs of success, John came to recognise the unhappiness and emptiness within his life. A profound experience of God’s love became the beginning of an extraordinary conversion, leading him away from his former lifestyle and towards a life centred on faith, service and helping others.

Central to John’s message was the importance of recognising and embracing the many gifts available to us through our Catholic faith. Drawing upon his own experience of prayer, Reconciliation, the Eucharist and the love and mercy of Christ, he encouraged students not to take these blessings for granted, but to see them as sources of strength, hope and renewal throughout life.

Particularly memorable were John’s stories of meeting and working alongside Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, whom he credits with helping him learn to love himself and others more deeply. He also shared experiences connected with Saint John Paul II, giving students a fascinating personal insight into people whose lives of faith and service have had an extraordinary influence on the Church and the wider world.

Our students listened with maturity and genuine compassion as John reflected on the suffering and difficult choices of his earlier years. Rather than defining himself by his past, his story offered a powerful reminder that people can change, seek forgiveness and choose a different direction for their lives.

The presentation concluded with students asking thoughtful questions about life, faith, forgiveness and finding purpose. Their willingness to engage so sincerely with John’s story made the experience especially meaningful.

We are very grateful to John for sharing his time, experiences and faith with our Year 11 students. 

Amy Fitzpatrick 
Teacher

The exam period can affect the whole family.

Many of our VCE students may be feeling stressed about the uncertainty of the upcoming exams.

Exam time can impact on the family, and it’s important as parents that you Look after yourself during this period too. This is a big deal, and it can be stressful.

It might help to remember that you’ve done an amazing job so far!

Exams tend to be stressful.

Tempers may get short; theirs and yours. Their bedrooms may be (more) messy, they may answer back, be upset with you, siblings, others, and they may not seem themselves.

Try to support your child by talking to them and encouraging them to focus on what they can control – day to day routines, organization and planning.

Remind them to Plan, Prepare, have Perspective then afterwards you can all Play.

Plan:	Plan and create a study routine together or in discussion with your child. Include a work, study, sleep, social balance. Monitoring how late they are staying up studying and discuss the benefits of getting 8-9 hours of sleep a night. Encouraging a regular sleep routine is especially important right now to enable rest, recuperation, and to allow your child to be in the best frame of mind to take on the challenges of exams. Encourage and plan time to exercise. Natural endorphins will lift mood and the break away from the books will rejuvenate the brain. Plan a study routine with breaks from study. Your child needs a healthy balance of study as well as down time. Plan for alternatives. Have a plan B.
Prepare:	Preparing healthy & regular snacks to ensure they are fueling their bodies enough. Balancing social connectedness with study. Studying with a friend can be helpful Reduce casual work hours over the exam period to free up time to prepare for exams Households can be very busy but try to have a quieter home in the lead up and during the exams Prepare and set up a study space Some students like realistic boundaries to be set for them as self -directed study is too flexible. Discuss and prepare these together.
Perspective:	Encourage them to limit worrying about the “what if’s” that are outside their control Encourage your child to not think too far into the future Discourage conversations that focus on ‘What if I fail?’ or ‘What if my mark isn’t good enough Use positive self-talk “I can do this” “I will get through it” Talk about effort, realistic expectations, and alternatives.  Tell your child its Ok to feel disappointed if you need to. Create new goals and pathways.
Play:	Celebrate effort NOT just outcomes. It’s over, you all got through it. PLAY.

For more information about managing study stress, tips & advice, visit:
https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-reduce-stress-and-prepare-for-exams/

Trish Maguire
College Counsellor

2025 Pictorial Yearbook

We apologise for the delay in getting the 2025 Pictorial Yearbook into the hands of our families.

This year, we have been working with a new yearbook platform, and the transition has taken a little longer than anticipated. We appreciate your patience while we have worked through the process to ensure the finished yearbook is something our students and families can enjoy and treasure.

The 2025 Pictorial Yearbook will be available electronically through SIMON and the Parent Portal for families to access.

For those who would also like a printed copy, books can be purchased directly through Treering using the link below:

Purchase your 2025 Pictorial Yearbook

Alternatively, simply scan the QR code below to access the purchase page.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding. We hope you enjoy looking back on the many wonderful moments from 2025 at St Mary’s College.

David Formosa
Director of Development

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

Alumni Tutoring Program Returns in Term 3

Our popular After-School Alumni Tutoring Program returns in Term 3, providing students with the opportunity to receive extra academic support from graduates of St Mary's College.

We are incredibly fortunate to have former students who generously help current students succeed. Having recently completed their own secondary education, our alumni tutors understand the challenges students face and are well placed to provide guidance, encouragement and practical study strategies in a supportive environment.

Whether students are looking to consolidate their understanding, prepare for assessments or simply build confidence in their learning, the tutoring program is a fantastic opportunity to receive additional support outside the classroom.

New for Term 3, we will also be offering a dedicated Year 7 and 8 Mathematics Tutoring Session every Tuesday after school. This session has been designed to strengthen students' mathematical understanding, reinforce key concepts and build confidence in a small-group setting.

Students are encouraged to attend regularly, and families are invited to speak with their child's classroom teacher if they feel they would benefit from participating.

We thank our alumni tutors for their continued generosity and commitment to supporting the next generation of St Mary's students. Their willingness to give back is a wonderful reflection of the strong sense of community that exists at St Mary's College.

Program Details

• Tuesday: Year 7 & 8 Mathematics Tutoring – 3:15pm to 4:15pm
• Thursday: General Homework and Study Support (all year levels) – 3:15pm to 4:15pm

David Formosa
Director of Development

For families who may be interested, the City of Port Phillip Youth Services Team is offering the following free training opportunities through its Thrive Pathways Program:

• CPR & First Aid Training – 22 September

The program is open to young people aged 15–25 years who live, study or work in the City of Port Phillip.

Further information and registration details are available through the City of Port Phillip Thrive Pathways Program.

You can secure your space HERE!