Acting Principal
Mrs Genevieve Gordon
Wrapping Up Term 2
Dear Families and Friends of St Mary's,
As we bring Term 2 to a close, I reflect on a period filled with diverse learning opportunities across all areas of the College. It is always a pleasure to visit classrooms and see our students happy, thriving, and deeply engaged in their education.
Here is a look back at our recent achievements, community updates, and what lies ahead.
The Countdown is On: VCE Focus
There are now 123 days until the Year 12 VCE exam period commences with the English Exam.
Over these holidays, our VCE students can expect to be asked to complete several practice exams for each of their subjects. It is vital that students make their education and study a priority throughout this break, while balancing their time effectively with work commitments and wellbeing.
Our students do not want to look back with regrets. While there are many pathways into a chosen career, meeting university requirements is often the shortest and most cost-effective route. As the saying goes, ‘Carpe Diem’; seize the day. Our Year 12s of 2025 beautifully captured this spirit when they selected the quote that now sits on the wall of the Sacred Heart Study Centre:
"Your future starts today, not tomorrow." — Pope St. John Paul II
Future Pathways & Community Engagement
Year 10 Work Experience & Careers Focus
Our Year 10 students are currently out in the workforce for their work experience week. It is always a pleasure for our staff to contact employers and visit students on-site, and we have received wonderful feedback about the exemplary way our students have conducted themselves.
We extend a huge thank you to our College Careers Advisor Taryn for her organisation of this program, and to all the staff members who took the time to visit our students on-site. We are also extremely grateful to the local businesses who offer our students these invaluable opportunities to explore future pathways.
Planning for the Future: VCE & Subject Selections
Last Friday during Pastoral Care, our Year 10 students met with Mr Sinkeler, Ms McLaughlin, Mrs Wood, Mrs Molinaro and Mrs Gordon to discuss all things VCE and the upcoming subject selection process.
It was a fantastic session, highlighted by a presentation from our College Captain, Mikayla Eriksson. She shared her first-hand experiences navigating Year 11 and 12 and spoke inspiringly about her own goals to study Law at university post-2026.
Enrolments Open for 2027
The enrolment process is already well underway for the 2027 school year. If you know of any families keen to secure a position for their children in Foundation or Year 7, please encourage them to act quickly, as places are filling fast.
New Facilities Coming in Term 3
By the end of the school holidays, the extensive landscaping works around the oval side of the Sacred Heart Building and the Multipurpose Hall will be complete.
When students return for Term 3, they will have access to:
- Brand-new cricket nets
- An outdoor volleyball court
- Additional tiered seating around a portion of the oval
- A new deck area equipped with outdoor furniture
We look forward to sharing photos of these fantastic new spaces with you at the beginning of next term. We are hopeful that building works on our new Science facilities will commence this coming term.
Staff Celebrations
🏆AFL SportsReady 2026 National Trainee of the Year🏆
Lachlan King!
In the second last week of term, we were fortunate to host a visit from Brad Mielicki and Megan Cross from AFL SportsReady for a very special presentation.
Lachlan King, currently a Learning Support Officer (LSO) and formerly our SportsReady Trainee, was nominated as a finalist for the National SportsReady Trainee of the Year Award. This prestigious award recognises exceptional commitment and skills, celebrating outstanding dedication throughout the trainee journey.
Out of approximately 300 trainees nationally, Lachie was named AFL SportsReady’s 2026 National Trainee of the Year! At St Mary’s College, we see traineeships as more than just extra support; they are about developing future educators who understand our school community and may one day return as teachers. Congratulations, Lachie; we are extremely proud of you!
Staff Movements
- Farewell to Frilla Djufri (Gaby): Yesterday, we said a fond farewell to Gaby. We have immensely enjoyed having her as part of our Learning Diversity Team this year. It is no surprise that she has been snapped up as a teacher for a very lucky Year 2 class at Al Siraat College in Epping. Thank you for your incredible contribution to St Mary's, Gaby. Your gentle perseverance with every student, whether they required emotional or learning support, has been invaluable.
- Best Wishes to Nurse Lisa: Yesterday, Nurse Lisa commenced a term of leave to care for her aging mother. At St Mary's, we take a "family first" approach with all our staff and we wish Lisa all the very best as she takes this time to support her family.
- Thinking of Lynne: I am grateful to Jarna, who is keeping me updated on Lynne’s progress following her recent car accident. Medical professionals are pleased with the small steps of progress she is making. We will continue to keep Lynne in our thoughts and prayers over the break.
- Baby News! Congratulations to our primary Science and Digital Technologies teacher, Jade Holt, and her husband Dom, on the safe arrival of baby Audrey Anne Holt. We have one very proud grandmother on staff; Mrs. Patterson.
- Congratulations to Year 6 teacher Grace McMahon and husband Corey who are expecting their first child in December.
Looking Ahead to Term 3
Wishing all families a safe, restful, and recharging holiday break.
Please note that at the beginning of Term 3, I will be taking a week of Long Service Leave. Should you have any concerns during my absence, please contact the College office. Allison Moore will be stepping in as Acting Principal during this time. I know the College is in excellent hands with our leadership team.
Kind regards
Mrs Genevieve Gordon
Acting Principal