Dear Parents,

The College Feast Day was a celebration of joy for our students and staff. A day to appreciate and share in the learning of fun. Our older students did a terrific job providing activities for their younger peers. The younger students look up to the seniors and so they deserve too. Relationships, culture and legacy are important, and you cannot put a price on happiness. Thank you to our P&F for organising the colour run – the kids loved it!

💫 Stage 1 VCE & Senior Learning Centre

Companies will visit St Mary’s next week to look over the site. Following the onsite inspection and tender applications received, the successful tender will be announced to the College community after the 17th of October with works to begin in January. The College received a $4.5m grant towards the cost of Stage 1.

💫 Stage 2

In 2025 ROAM architects will begin planning for Stage 2 with the tender process to be actioned next year. The College received a $3.6m grant for the Monsignor Toms Science extension.

💫 St Mary’s College School Improvement Plan 2024-2027

MACS schools develop four yearly improvement plans that include strategic intent, priorities and outcomes. The next improvement plan will be published during Term 4 with the 2024-2027 College Strategic Intent, ‘We will enact a school-wide instructional model which promotes student voice and agency, so all students successfully access post-secondary pathways’ the primary focus over the next four years.

💫 Staff PD Days & End of Year 2024

▪️ Monday 4th Nov - Report Writing:

T4 Finish Dates:

▪️ Thursday 12th - Yr. 2 (Sleepover)

▪️ Friday 13th December - F-6 (note change of date from Wed. 18th)

▪️ Friday 6th December - Yr. 7-9

▪️ Friday 29th November - Yr. 10-11

▪️ Friday 20th December - Staff

💫 Staffing 2025

Advertising is underway for teaching positions in primary and secondary.

▪️ New Staff

Jacob Davey NZ Secondary Humanities; Henrich Galam Secondary English/RE; Paul Grattan Secondary Technologies. A Compliance Officer and two Learning Support positions will be advertised in Term 4 to begin in 2025.

▪️ Staff Changes 2025

Ms Stephens is moving to Queensland.

Mrs Pharaoh is taking a break from permanent teaching after a long career in Catholic education.

Mrs Morris who had previously retired from education returned to assist with the teacher shortage. Cobie has a long association with St Mary’s and in 2025 she looks forward to retiring again!

Mrs Smullen who also a long career in Catholic education and has been so generous with her flexibility during and post covid and particularly with the teacher shortage. Maureen may do CRT work next year.

Mrs Evans will reduce to part time next year in planning a transition to retirement.

Mrs Grant will be on Maternity Leave for Semester 1.

▪️ Term Four

Riley Graham is moving on from the LSO pathway to a new workplace in Term 4. Riley has been at St Mary’s since 2022, and he is keen to experience new opportunities and broaden his workplace skills. At the morning tea for Riley, Mrs Kelly spoke of how the younger students enjoy being greeted by Riley in the mornings on their arrival at the High Street entrance and Riley’s willingness to support others. We wish Riley all the best for his future pathways, and we thank Riley for his contribution to St Mary’s College, particularly as a member of the Learning Diversity team.

Ms Mackay (Art teacher) has been on medical leave since mid-August. Renae has undergone tests and will require further treatment. Renae is planning to return on the 7th of October, the beginning of Term Four.

💫 Year 12 Graduation 2025

The return of the Year 12 Graduation will be a historic evening for St Mary’s. The long-awaited return after nearly 40 years in recess will establish a rite of passage that is special to St Mary’s, for Year 12 and parents. Flowerdale Estate has been booked for this momentous occasion.

💫 MACS Board Visit Term Four

The inaugural MACS Board will visit St Mary’s on the 14th November to hold their end of year meeting. This is a very significant visit for our College. With the archdiocese having over 300 schools and visiting approx. 3 schools a year, from a pure maths perspective, the MACS Board would return to St Mary’s in 2124! The agenda for the day will include a tour of the College’s buildings; presentation from the principal over a working lunch which includes a Q&A with the Principal. Primary and secondary leaders will lead the prayer and Acknowledgment of country to begin the meeting. The meeting structure and timing is set by the board.

Congratulations to our mighty primary Athletes who have taken all before them in representative carnivals. A student from a district primary school said, “it is not fair, St Mary’s students are to fast.” Ms Aldous’ passion and love of her role as Sports Coordinator are obvious to all and seen in the enjoyment and resolve of our students.

💫 “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” —Unknown

So often at St Mary’s we talk to our students about kindness. Kindness is a universal language that can bring people together regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, status, and identity. Authentic and intentional kindness doesn’t expect anything in return.

Practicing kindness for the sake of kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give to others and ourselves. Research shows that performing acts of kindness and helping others improves the happiness of the helper. The kinder activities one does, the greater the boost in happiness. Even just observing acts of kindness had positive effects on one’s happiness.

Kindness might not make the world go 'round’ but kindness does make the world a better place. We may never know just how big of an impact our small acts of kindness have on someone else. Catherine McAuley in her wildest dreams would never have thought the Religious Order she started would have such an influence beyond Dublin and Ireland. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if countries were renowned for kindness rather than conflict.

💫 Finals Fever

It is that time of year when fanatical supporters cannot sleep and worry themselves sick before and during the finals. Both the AFL and the Rugby League are near the seasons end. The saying there is a reason why you end up on top of the ladder is true for the Sydney Swans and Melbourne Storm. Both have had a very impressive 2024. The Swans I’d suggest have already booked their Virgin flights for that one day in September and the Cats are tracking nicely.

More importantly, Footy Colours Day at St Mary’s is raising funds for...

‘At My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, we’re on a mission to fight childhood cancer with all we’ve got. We’re a volunteer-led charity that understands the devastating impact of cancer on families. Our goal is to bring hope and respite to Australian families affected by this disease.

We believe that every child deserves a fighting

chance, so we work tirelessly to raise funds for holistic support. From financial assistance through our Samaritan Fund to high-quality clinical care and innovative medical research, trials and equipment, we want to give children the best possible chance of beating cancer.

Our commitment to ending childhood cancer is unwavering. We work hand-in-hand with the brightest minds to find the best possible ways to support families affected by childhood cancer, cutting through the red tape without bureaucracy.’

Our students have generous hearts. Their spirit to help others is inspiring.

If you are travelling over the break, go gently on those roads.

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

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