Dear Parents and Carers,

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given...”

Isaiah 9:6-7

"Christmas is a celebration of Jesus' birth-

that light has come into darkness and, as the Gospel of John says,

'the darkness could not overcome it.”

Kin Hubbard

The VCE results were outstanding - congratulations to the College Mathematics Domain on their dedication. Year 11 Unit 3&4 General Mathematics class scores place St Mary’s in the Victoria’s Top 10 for VCE results with a median score of 36. Mrs Gordon the class teacher inspired the students through her teaching excellence and passion for the subject. Bring on 2025!

The Positive Behaviour for Learning Pillars are aligned with the Mercy Values and Behaviour Management Policy.

▪️Respect

▪️Excellence

▪️Integrity

St Mary’s staff understand the uniqueness of pastoral care in Catholic education. Our mission as a Catholic College is nurturing every students spirit of faith as much as we educate their minds to believe in what is possible.

💫Staffing

Farewell

We wish our departing colleagues the blessings of good health in their new adventures: Nichol Stephens, Allison Pharaoh and Mitchell Itter. We thank them for their dedication and service to the students and for their collegial friendships. Andrew Lloyd will be on 12 months leave to live and work in Malta.

New Staff

Nikita Chapman (LSO)... Nikita is currently working at the Gap High School, Brisbane. QLD. Nikita was educated in Catholic schools and is moving to Puckapunyal.

Henrich Galam (Secondary English/RE) ... Henrich will lead secondary English. Henrich was at Siena Catholic College Camberwell and previously at Whitefriars College Donvale and De la Salle College Malvern.

Edward Stephens (Secondary Humanities & Indonesian)... Edward is a graduate teacher and completed undergraduate placements at Dromana and Mt Erin Secondary Colleges. Edward has life experience before studying teaching, working primarily in the hospitality industry.

Georgia Devenish (Secondary English, Humanities, Psychology and Media) It is wonderful to have Georgia back at St Mary's in 2025.

Jessica McDowell (Primary & Secondary PE/Health & Psychology)... Jessica is on staff and has a wide breadth of experience and knowledge in teaching across both the state and Catholic systems. Jessica has been a leading teacher, Senior School Coordinator and management and leadership in curriculum, particularly with VCE, VCE VM and VET.

Claire Wallace (Secondary Science) ... Claire has been managing Mansfield Pharmacy since taking a break from teaching after 20 years at Mansfield High School. Claire is a VCE Biology Exam Assessor and co-author of Nelson VIC Science Psychology Workbook and Textbook Units 1 & 2 4th Edition.

Theresa Senibici (Secondary Maths & Science)... Theresa currently teaches at Tailulu Methodist College in Tonga and previously at Apifo’ou Marist College. Theresa is moving with her family to Seymour.

Sarah Sommers (Primary)... Sarah completed her final year of school placements at St Mary’s this year and we are pleased Sarah has chosen St Mary’s to begin her teaching career.

Cassandra Weeks (Secondar Arts)... Cassandra is returning to teaching after a break from the classroom. Cassandra has taught in rural NSW Catholic and State schools and lived overseas.

Paul Grattan (Secondary Design Technologies)... Paul is a well-known local resident and member of the local community. He has been a teacher at Assumption College for many years. Paul wants to be a part of the College’s return to Year 12 and is looking forward to bringing his previous trade skill and business experience to the classroom.

Amanda Stevens (Primary) ...Amanda was teaching at St Francis Assisi Primary, Florey in Canberra. Amanda has been appointed to the leadership role as the new 3-6 Primary Coordinator replacing Mrs Evans who is moving to part time. Amanda is no stranger to this region having lived here a few years ago.

Tony Falls (Primary Term 1 2025)... Tony has worked at St Mary’ in a casual teaching role. Tony a retired principal prefers to teach only at St Mary’s such is his respect for the College and students.

Chloe Locke (LSO)... Chloe will continue with supporting student learning in a part time capacity next year along with studying her Teaching Degree at La Trobe University.

An Induction morning was held this week with six of the new teachers able to attend. It was a delight to share time with them and they are looking forward to joining St Mary’s for the next stage of the College’s future. At Thursday’s induction a comment summed up the day, “It has been the best welcome I have ever received. Had a great day and so happy to be coming to St Mary’s…………. thank you.”

💫 Student Leaders

Thank you to our 2024 leaders for their positive role modelling and the pride they showed when representing St Mary’s. The leaders for 2025 will model the quality of standards that past leaders have done so well.

💫 College Advisory Council & Parents and Friends Associstion

Thankyou to all members of the College Advisory Council (Andrew Graham - Chair) and P&F Association (Megan Cox - President). St Mary’s is blessed to have very good leaders in these positions who offer their generous time. Family life is busy with work, family commitments and many who travel in their employment. To cope with changing times the College Advisory Council have moved monthly meetings to online.

💫 Fr Eugene

Students and staff appreciate and value Fr Eugene’s connection to St Mary’s. He is an integral member of our College community and we look forward to continuing this wonderful and valued relationship in 2025.

💫 New and Leaving Families

To new families joining St Mary’s in 2024 in primary and or secondary our staff look forward to your child(ren) joining St Mary’s during an exciting time in the College’s present time and future. To families leaving St Mary’s we wish you safe travels, the best of health and fond memories of your time with us.

💫 College Office

The College Office will re open Tuesday 21st January. Please email office@smseymour.catholic.edu.au or phone 03 5792 2611 for enquiries. New families in Years 1-6 and 8-11 will receive an email from the Enrolment Registrar, Mrs Webster when the Office reopens to check in for the new College year. For families in Year 7 and Foundation if need be please contact the Office on or after the 21st January.

To our students who received awards this year be proud because you deserve the accolades for the effort, perserverance and commitment you have given to your studies and or pastoral approach to the spirit of St Mary’s.

💫 Go Gently on those Roads

In 2022 it was Santa Claus in a boat. 2023, it was Santa Claus opening the batting on a turning riverina wicket and in 2024 it is Santa celebrating local success at the 2024 Para Olympics. Lynden Walker the kind hearted farmer from Temora NSW on the Burley Griffin Way (road to Narranderra) knows what it is like to travel on counrty roads, espcially for families near and far travelling over the festive season. Lynden and his farming neighbours have an annual Christmas competition – farm entrance displays, albeit rough around the edges. If you travel over the break go gently on the roads and if you happen to drive past an olympic display out on a riverina road then honk the car horn for Lynden!

Thank you for the support you give to our wonderful College.

May the birth of Christ not be lost on the reason for the season

and enjoy family time at Christmas.

Best wishes

Wayne Smith

Principal

DipEd (ACU) DipREd (ACU) Bed (ACU) GradCertEdAdmin (Edith Cowan)

GradDipREd (ACU) MEdAdmin (Charles Sturt) MTheoStudies (BBITAITE)

Primary Year 3-6